With Mario Barrios set to defend his WBC welterweight title against Ryan Garcia on Feb. 21, both fights sit down for an in-person conversation with Chris Mannix and DAZN to discuss their impending battle. You can check out some excerpts from both fighters below with the full video interview in the link at the top.
Barrios on whether Garcia is on the level of past opponents like Pacquiao, Tank, and Thurman
“I mean, he’s definitely here for a reason. He’s dangerous, everything that he brings in there. So he’s definitely worthy to be a live opponent.”
Garcia on why he pursued this fight when he had many other options on the table
“I try to let all my decision be led by God and I felt like this was the right decision to make and he’s a great fighter. He’s never been in a bad fight, he’s always coming to fight. Even in the championship rounds you see that he keeps firing back and finds a way to make sure the gap ain’t too far out. So he’s one of those guys that comes to fight and we’re going to have a great one on our hands. So he just seemed like the right person.
“It’s definitely the belt, too…I’m coming to take that and he’s the champion. He got to defend it and that’s why we’re here.”
Barrios on Garcia’s performance against Romero
“I look into like the best version we have seen of him and that’s the version that I’m getting ready for.”
Garcia on intending to perform much better this fight
“At the end of the day, that Rolly camp was just a hard one to get by. I was doing a lot of stupid sh-t, not treating my body like a temple before that — obviously had a year layoff — but it’s okay. It’s behind us, I positioned my body to be in top form. I feel in top form, top shape and that’s what he’s going to get — the best version of me.”
