By: Hans Themistode
Mario Barrios is steadfast in his belief that Gervonta Davis and the team made a mistake. The 26-year-old entered the ring on June 26, earlier this year, with the 140-pound WBA title securely wrapped around her waist. On the other hand, Davis, who is up two weight classes, has proven that despite his diminutive size, his strength will lead him to victory.
Although Barrios fought well, he suffered the first defeat of his career through a goal from the penalty spot. Immediately following the undesirable results, Barrios hinted at moving up to a heavier weight class. Over the next few months, the San Antonio native began plotting his next course of action. While his time in the ultralightweight division came to a quick halt, Barrios was determined to start a new championship one more weight division.
On his first trip to the ring as an official 147-pounder, Barrios decided to take on a lesser-known opponent. Instead, the former ultralight fighter is aiming to dethrone one of the more famous fighters in the division’s recent history.
“I am delighted to be making my welterweight debut against such a great boxer and former world champion as Keith Thurman,” Barrios said when discussing his February 5 comeback. “A lot of fighters won’t be in this fight, but that’s why I want it.”
At one time, Thurman was considered the best 147 pounder in the world. In competitions in 2016 and 2017, Thurman successfully defended the WBA welterweight title against Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia. The latter led to a unified title dynasty.
Since then, however, Thurman has only entered the ring twice in a span of five years. Thurman’s career stagnation is largely due to a long list of injuries. The last time the unified champion was seen in the ring was in July 2019 in front of the Future First Ballot Hall of Manny Pacquiao.
Although Pacquiao ultimately secured a decisive victory by a narrow margin, he admits that despite sharing the ring with many heavyweights, Thurman still ranks near the top of the most notorious fighters he has ever faced. .
Considering Thurman’s propensity for knockout, Barrios is excited to face one of the older names at £147. As the 26-year-old begins his new journey, he is fully aware that victory over the former unified champion will put him in the perfect position for another world title race. .
“We both like to drop a lot of bombs and I believe this will be an all-out war. Fans know I’m a fighter and I don’t back down from any challenge, that’s why everyone should order this fight. ‘El Azteca’ will make a statement on February 5.”
