The last time we saw 140-pound contender Mario Barrios he faced a torrent of boos.
Barrios had just outpointed Batyr Akhmedov by a unanimous decision in September of last year at Staples Center in Los Angeles to remain unbeaten. However, those in attendance – and presumably many worldwide – weren’t convinced.
Akhmedov when down twice in the fight but otherwise seemed to get the better of Barrios, whose face was bruised and battered afterward. The loser outlanded the winner 238-135, according to CompuBox.
Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) was asked about his controversial fight with Akhmedov during a virtual news conference to promote the Gervonta Davis-Leo Santa Cruz pay-per-view card Saturday in San Antonio, on which Barrios will face Ryan Karl (18-2, 12 KOs).
Barrios wasn’t fazed.
“You’re going to see a completely different fighter on Saturday night,” said Barrios, who was supposed to fight Akhmedov a second time when COVID-19 stepped in. “My last fight I showed the warrior that I am, and during the championship rounds, I made big things happen.
“Saturday night, I’m going to show everyone how I’ve improved.”
One advantage Barrios will have on Saturday: He lives in San Antonio.
“I’m super excited to be back home for my first title defense,” said Barrios, who won a secondary belt against Akhmedov. “… I don’t feel any pressure. I’m fighting at home and defending my title, so it’s just a dream come true.
“You have an Aztec warrior and a Texas cowboy going at it. I couldn’t imagine a better co-main event.”
Karla, a bruising pressure fighter, has won three consecutive fights – all by knockout – since he was stopped by Kevin Watts, including a stoppage of Watts in a rematch.
The Houston resident, known as “Cowboy,” was asked whether anything had changed recently.
“I’m healthy and injury free now,” said Karl, who last fought last November. “It’s been over two years since I could say that. It’s a new start in a way. I’m listening better and my corner is the best it’s ever been.
“I expect it to be a very explosive and exciting fight. … I come to fight. I’m rough and ready, and I’m coming to win any way I possible.”
Barrios says he’ll be ready.
“Ryan definitely comes to fight,” he said. “He’s known for being a pressure fighter. I’ve always considered myself a boxer-puncher. I’ll try to use my jab and fight from the outside as much as I can.
“But I’ve been known to brawl on the inside as well. It’s going to end up being a fan-friendly fight.”
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