Barrios v Garcia Wood Warrington
This fight is a testament to today’s boxing.
Ryan Garcia, fresh off a humbling defeat at the hands of Rolly Romero, gets a title shot against WBC champion Mario Barrios.
Garcia, nicknamed King Ry, has never won a world title.
Barrios, classy as they come, fought 40-something Manny Pacquio in his last bout. The judges declared the fight a draw. Barrios looked like a loser. His face, as is often the case, was puffy. Barrios, 30, has taken a lot of punishment over his career.
Gervonta Davis stopped him, and Keith Thurman beat him to a pulp.
The guy is a warrior – modest and soft spoken.
Full transparency – I spent several minutes chatting with Barrios at Vigil Hunter’s gym a few years ago. I watched him work alone, shadow box, and spar.
He’s the kind of fighter and person you pull for.
Garcia, 27, is the modern-day fighter with marketing ability. He has more tools than Barrios and should prevail tomorrow night.
Two former champions, Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington, who paid their dues and made the most of their talent, are fighting for the second time tomorrow at Nottingham Arena in Nottingham, England.
They’re little guys in size, but born with huge hearts. Warrington was having his way with Wood two years ago until Wood clipped with a sweet combination. The stoppage was controversial to some. This is a pride fight.
Warrington,35, is the better boxer, while Wood,37, carries more power.
Wood is a slight betting favorite.