Mario Barrios talks Netflix fight, Manny Pacquiao and becoming a father

SAN ANTONIO – Mario Barrios is no stranger to the big stage. The boxer and Southwest High School graduate will showcase his talents on Netflix later this month.

Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) meets Abel Ramos (28-6-2, 22 KOs) in a 12-round bout for Barrios' WBC welterweight title. The November 15 fight will be based on Netflix's Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Last week, “El Azteca” took time out from his training camp with coach Bob Santos in Las Vegas to speak with KSAT 12 Sports about various topics leading up to his title defense.

OPPOSITE ABEL RAMOS

Barrios enters his Netflix fight on a three-fight winning streak, winning his last two by unanimous decision. Since 2019, Barrios has participated in fights scheduled for 10 rounds or more.

Barrios has fought in seven of those contests, going the distance five times in 12-round bouts and winning four of them. His only loss came in 2022 by unanimous decision against Keith Thurman. Prior to his loss to Thurman, Barrios lost by 11th round TKO to Gervonta Davis.

Ramos, who began his career two years earlier than Barrios, has only taken part in three fights that were scheduled for 12 rounds. Two of these fights went the distance and both resulted in defeats. Ramos also went the distance in five 10-round fights, losing three of those fights.

Should this upcoming fight go the distance, Barrios said he has the advantage and expertise to emerge victorious.

“I know we were both up against world-class fighters, but I trust that my skills and strength will last the full 12 rounds,” Barrios said. “I'm preparing for a tough 12 rounds, but whenever I hurt him or see him fading, I'll do everything I can to get him out of there.”

FIGHTING ON NETFLIX

Barrios has previously fought on pay-per-view and in some of the most iconic stadiums in the United States. He has fought in prime time and on the biggest television platforms. Now Barrios and his fellow boxers will be in the spotlight on streaming service Netflix.

“Boxing is no longer on Showtime (sic). It's not on HBO. It goes to these streaming platforms,” Barrios said. “If you bring them Netflix, it’s global. Everyone knows what that is. Being a kid from San Antonio and getting to fight like that on Netflix, I'm very proud to go out there and represent our city, defend the title and do everything I can to make sure it stays in San Antonio. Ultimately, it's a great opportunity that we took advantage of. I’m excited to go out there, just be myself and show the world what I bring every time I step on those ropes.”

Headlining the Netflix fight on November 15th will be Jake Paul taking on Mike Tyson in an eight-round bout.

“I’m going with (Mike) Tyson 100 percent. There’s no way I can compete against a legend like that, especially not against an influencer, no matter how old he is,” Barrios said. “Mike is almost 60. It's pretty crazy that he's still in it, but he looks like he's in great shape. I’m in his corner and hoping for the best for him.”

WHAT HAPPENED TO PACMAN?

One of the biggest headlines this summer was the rumor that boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was coming out of retirement to fight again. Pacquiao's chosen opponent would have been Barrios, who was fighting for Barrios' interim WBC welterweight belt, which he held at the time.

Talks began, but no agreement could be reached. Barrios said he has one last fight to finish 2024.

“The chance to step in there with such a legend is huge,” said Barrios. “I've watched him since I was a kid. The fact that Pacquiao and Barrios were even mentioned: I couldn't even put it into words. The opportunity to see this man on the other side of the ring, this other legend. Negotiations and clarification of details fell through, but it is definitely still a fight that I would welcome.”

Although Barrios is ready to make this fight a reality, Pacquiao has also expressed interest in running for the Philippine Senate again next year.

CHANGES BETWEEN BATTLES

Barrios won the WBC Interim World Welterweight title against Yordenis Ugas in September 2023. In May he successfully fought for his title against Fabian Maidana.

That summer, Barrios was named WBC welterweight champion when Terence Crawford, who held that title, decided to move up and fight at 154 pounds.

“No fighter wants to win a world title this way. “It’s just the way boxing is right now,” Barrios said. “Still, I became an elevated champion for a reason. I put myself in this position, all the work I put in, all the fights at welterweight, so I'm still very proud. Now it’s just my job to move forward, defend the belt as champion and prove to everyone why I was the preeminent champion for a reason.”

Become a father

“El Azteca” shared some exciting personal news last year, revealing that he was about to become a father for the first time.

Barrios said he enjoyed having his family around him while training in Las Vegas.

“She's great. I loved every second of learning how to be a father,” Barrios said. “She's good. She is healthy. They are nearby right now and it has helped a lot. Now I've been thinking about longevity, especially in boxing. I want to take care of myself more than anything because I want to be around as long as possible and watch this little bundle of love and happiness grow.”

Tickets for the fight are still available and can be purchased on the SeatGeek website.

Daniel P. Villanueva has been with KSAT 12 for over 21 years and is an award-winning producer. To submit story ideas, send an email [email protected]