Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (28-2, 18 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, will make the first defense of his interim WBC welterweight title on the undercard of Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas. The WBC welterweight champion is presently [treu wolrd welterweight champion] Terence Crawford, who captured the title from Errol Spence last July. Crawford, however, plans to challenge for the WBA and WBO interim world titles at junir middleweight in August. Following back-to-back losses to Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman, Barrios rebounded with two victories last year against Jovanie Santiago and former WBA champion Yordenis Ugas. On May 4th, he will face off against Argentinean Fabian “TNT” Maidana, of Buenos Aires. Coming from a boxing family, Fabian (22-2, 16 KOs) is the younger brother of former champion Marcos Maidana. Fabian has won four straight in Argentina since his last defeat in December 2022.
If Crawford decides to remain at 154 pounds, the WBC will likely elevate the Barrios-Maidana victor to its full champion.
“I plan to accomplish as much as I can at 147 pounds. This is where I feel comfortable and strong and I’m going to try to stay here as long as I can,” said the six-foot-tall Barrios, who began his career as a junior featherweight. Las Vegas is the best place for training camp. I get the best work here. I have quality sparring at all times and it’s really beneficial. Camp has been great and I’m really ready for it to be over,” continued Barrios, who is trained by Bob Santos. "We’ve had a long camp and I’m excited for a big opportunity on a big Mexican card. I’m honored to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to giving the fans a great fight.
Speaking of his opponent, Barrios remarked, “We know he’s coming from the Maidana fighting family, so we know he’s coming with it. He’s trying to step out from his brother’s shadow and I just have to make sure I’m on top of everything. I have no doubt that we’ll come out victorious if I fight my fight.”
Maidana is familiar with Barrios as well, having fought on several cards together. “I know Mario Barrios and I’m not worried about his height,” he said. “We’re going to give the fans a great fight and all I’m worried about is walking away with that belt. It’s very exciting to be fighting on this card with Canelo,” said Maidana. “It’s very motivating knowing that he’s watching. I’m ready to put on a show for everyone supporting me. I’m very happy to be in this position and I can’t wait to step into the ring in Las Vegas.”
