Mario Barrios Explains Why He Wants To Fight ‘One Of The Best Welterweights’ Keith Thurman

Mario Barrios (26-1, 17 KOs) suffered his career’s first loss in his last 140lbs bout against Gervonta Davis (26-0, 24 KOs).

Most boxers would take on a couple of easy fights after a loss, but Barrios doesn’t play by the rules.

The 26-year-old star did not waste any time in securing a super fight against Keith Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs, 1 NC), who will be entering the fight after last sharing the ring with Manny Pacquiao. They have agreed to trade haymakers as welterweights on February 5 in Las Vegas.

“You know, I’m 26 now. I’m at the age where I wanna take these big fights. I wanna take the risky fights that a lot of people aren’t willing to step up to,” Barrios said when he appeared on The PBC Podcast.

“I told [manager Luis De Cubas] like, ‘Man, I don’t want an easy fight. Like if possible, like man, like I wanna fight like one of the best welterweights. I want those big fights, you know, I’m at an age where I am not past my prime.’”

On the other hand, this will not be an easy fight for Thurman either due to his long layoff.

While Barrios may have been knocked out in his last appearance, he is active and has been training for months. As for Thurman, he hasn’t fought in over two years since the decision loss to the Pacman in 2019.