Mario Barrios (26-2) is making the move to the desert.
BoxingScene.com has been advised that the former super lightweight champion will now be training in Las Vegas under the guidance of Bob Santos alongside several other world class fighters in his deep stable.
2022 has been a big year for Santos. The long time industry veteran took the virtually unknown Hector Luis Garcia from a super long shot victory against Chris Colbert in February to a world title against Roger Gutierrez in August. He also guided Alberto Puello to a world title and Carlos Adames to an interim title.
He expects Barrios to become a two-division champion in the very near future.
“Mario is a very talented fighter. He’s a former world champion and his two losses are against elite opposition. I believe after one fight, he can be right back in the mix for a title at 147,” Santos told BoxingScene.com.
Barrios, who is a San Antonio native, suffered back to back losses against Gervonta Davis and in his debut as a full fledged welterweight against former unified champion Keith Thurman. He had began his career by winning his first 26 fights.
A fight between Errol Spence and Terence Crawford for all of the marbles is rumored to be very close to being announced. If the fight comes to fruition, the winner will likely vacate the titles and move up to super welterweight which would leave the division wide open.
Most of the division’s top fighters fight under the Premier Boxing Champions’ banner which enhances Barrios position.
“One win puts Mario in a very strong position. The division could open up very soon and Mario will be right there along with many other talented fighters. The good thing is that most of them are aligned with PBC just like he is,” said Santos.
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