The 8-round bout will take place in Barrios’ home state at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas on the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Marcos Reyes card.
At 6’1, Barrios who is managed by Al Haymon, is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the super-featherweight division. After campaigning at featherweight earlier in his career, the San Antonio star is getting better with each fight. The move up in weight is not permanent, but something his team feels is appropriate for this fight.
“I feel real strong at 130 pounds and that’s where I’ll be fighting at for my next fight,” said Mario Barrios. “But if a big fight come up at featherweight, I’m still ok to make that weight. With each day that goes by, I feel I’m becoming a better fighter. Every day in the gym is another day that I increase my knowledge of this sport.
Fighting in his home state of Texas is something Barrios relishes. This will be the fourth time Mario will be fighting in the Lone Star State. In his last fight, Barrios defeated Jose Del Valle by way of a 6th round knockout, a fight that took place at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.
“I love fighting in Texas in front of my family and hometown fans,” Barrios continued. “Everyone in Texas loves to see good fights and that’s my goal every time I step into the ring. I want to bring excitement to the fans and my fighting style fits that role. I don’t know who I’ll be fighting on July 18th but one thing I do know is, I’ll be letting my hands go!
