By: Sean Crose
“I still believe he is one of the best in the league,” first division Mario Barrios said Wednesday of his February 5 opponent, former world player Keith Thurman. “I’m trying to pursue greatness.” Barrios may be the underdog heading into the pay-per-view competition with an individual known as “One Time,” but the Texas boxer is aiming to make his mark in the world of fighting. .
“I (at) a much more comfortable weight,” says Barrios, a former junior heavyweight athlete, “much more natural.” Barrios is clearly happy to no longer have to make £140, which he has to do for his last match, a June 2021 matchup against highly skilled Gervonta Davis. It was a game that Barrios lost by injury time – the only loss in the man’s career. However, Barrios doesn’t seem to let a single flaw on his resume distract him.
“Fighting Keith Thurman at Mandalay Bay,” he says, “this is huge not just for me but the sport of boxing. I just hope I can make the most of this opportunity.” It will be quite a challenge. Even though he hasn’t fought well in over two years and was last seen losing to the great Manny Pacquiao, Thurman has always performed in a prepared manner and has proven time and time again that he has a set. Top level skills. There’s a reason Pacquiao shows the only flaw in Thurman’s résumé… because Thurman is kind of a fighter.
Yet despite the enormous obstacle Thurman represents, Barrios indicated during Wednesday’s online press event that he’s enjoying the moment. “I’m honored to be fighting among the others (on the card),” he said, “but I mean, the main event, it’s the one you don’t want to miss.”
