Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) will soon put his WBC welterweight world title on the line against Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs).
Their bout headlines a Ring Magazine card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) on DAZN.
Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Feb. 21 clash. Below is some of what they had to say.
Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia press conference quotes
Mario Barrios
“I think just watching film on Ryan and his past couple performances we can see a lot of flaws in his game plan,” said Barrios. “It didn’t take someone knowing him personally to have an edge over him. Everything that we worked on is for what pertains to his style, the way he fights, and I think we worked on everything that I need to to be successful.”
“Just making him uncomfortable, trying to exploit his weaknesses, and just every round making him uncomfortable.”
Ryan Garcia
“Well, I think I could do a lot of talking,” said Garcia. “Say ‘oh, I’ve prepared the best I can.’ You could just look at me and just kind of see the shape I’m in, how I look, and kinda have your own opinion on it. I think that speaks enough.”
“Yeah, it does feel like old times [training once again with my dad as head trainer]. There’s been a couple moments where it just feels swinging back to 2020. Throwback. Marc Castro came by the gym. Everybody’s coming by the gym. It just felt like a little bit of a throwback…It feels good to be back with my dad and technically we are undefeated together. We’re going to continue the streak.”
Fight prediction
Garcia has not won a fight in just over two years. He also did poorly in his last fight, a unanimous decision loss to Rolly Romero. Barrios may not be the best welterweight in the world, but he has the size advantage and should have the skillset to outbox Garcia. Expect the reigning champion to win via unanimous decision.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions.