Former WBA ‘regular’ junior welterweight titleholder Mario ‘El Azteca’ Barrios 26-1 (17) expects to feel stronger and more powerful when he makes his welterweight debut against former WBA 147-pound champion Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman 29-1 (22) at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.
“The move to welterweight has been a long time coming,” Barrios said. “Me and my team have loved the results we’ve had in camp and I can’t wait for Saturday.”
The 26-year-old from San Antonio, Texas will be having his first bout since losing by knockout to big-hitting southpaw Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis 26-0 (24) in Atlanta, Georgia last June.
“I’m in this sport to fight the best,” said Barrios, who at 5-foot-10 looks well-suited to the weight. “There’s never been a name that I’ve turned down. I want to keep testing my abilities and prove to everyone that I belong. That’s why I picked such a difficult fight for my welterweight debut.
“It’s a dream come true for me to be in this position. I’ve stayed patient, stayed focused and stayed disciplined. Now I have the opportunity to make a name for myself at welterweight.
“The fans are going to see the same Mario Barrios that has always stepped into the ring, but I’m going to be a lot stronger. The speed and movement will be the same and I’m excited to show that.
“Every time I step into the ring I bring that intensity and determination. You’re going to have to hit me with something crazy to get me out of there. I’m always going to keep on coming. I’m in there to do whatever I can to come out victorious.
“I’m going to have to do it all in this fight. Thurman was the toughest fight presented to me and that’s why I took it. He can box, he can bang and he has good movement. We had to get ready for every style.
“Keith and I definitely have the potential to bring the best out of each other. It’s going to be an amazing night of boxing.
“I’m looking to make a statement and put the welterweight division on notice that I’m here. Thurman is a great fighter, but it’s my job to go in there on Saturday night and do everything better than him.”
Barrios to find a meaningful fight at 140-pounds, but in his new weight class there a plenty of big names to pursue. Thurman, 33, of Clearwater, Florida had been struggling to find an opponent too after spending two-and-a-half years on the sidelines following his lone loss to Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao 62-8-2 (39) by split decision in Las Vegas.
“I never take away too much from the faceoffs,” Barrios said. “All that matters to me is that we’re fighting on Saturday. I knew that I’d have the height advantage on him. I’m moving up in weight, but I’m still the bigger fighter.”
