Mario Barrios Training Sessions

Mario Barrios will defend his welterweight belt against Manny Pacquiao. 

On Saturday, June 28, WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios held a training session for the media in Las Vegas, Nevada. The champion’s trainer, Bob Santos, was present at the training session. 

That night’s card will feature WBC super welterweight world champion Sebastián “Towering Inferno” Fundora and Tim Tszyu facing off in a rematch of the bloodiest fight of 2024 in the co-main event.

In addition, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will face his compatriot Angel Fierro, known for his powerful punch, for the second time in a 12-round super lightweight bout, while former two-division world champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez will kick off the event.

Mario Barrios: 

“It’s all smiles between us right now, but when that bell rings, we’re going in there with bad intentions. He’s trying to take my title and I have to do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t.

“When the fight was first brought to me I wasn’t sure whether to take it as respect or disrespect, because he wanted me. But regardless, I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show why I’m holding the WBC belt.

“I have a great team behind me. I’ve been fortunate to be with some of the best in the business from the beginning. I’ve just stayed focused and stayed in the gym and that’s why I’ve gotten these opportunities. I give it 100% every time.

“I’ve always trained for every fight like it’s a world title fight, so this is no different. I know who I’m going against and I know the threat he is inside of the ring. But with my team and everything we’re working on in the gym, I just have to go out and execute and we’ll be victorious.”

BOB SANTOS, Barrios’ Trainer: 

“It’s an honor for me to work with Mario Barrios. From day one, I knew that Barrios was Pitbull. He was reserved and quiet, but you could see in his pro debut that we had something on our hands here.

“You don’t become a world champion in two weight classes by accident. Not too many people have done that and Mario deserves his credit.

“Manny Pacquiao is an icon. There’s nobody more worthy of this opportunity. Look at what he’s given to the sport. Also, inactivity can work in different ways. With an older guy, that time off can be something that helps him. It’s gonna be a great fight for everyone to watch, but ‘El Azteca’ will come out with the win.”