Barrios poised for big things at 147 if he turns back Maidana
Interim welterweight titlist defends in Canelo-Munguia PPV co-feature
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Once again, Mario Barrios finds himself fighting in the high-profile position of the co-feature of a Canelo Alvarez card and he plans to make the most of it, just like he did last time.
That was in September when just before Alvarez routed Jermell Charlo to retain the undisputed super middleweight title, Barrios scored two knockdowns against former welterweight titlist Yordenis Ugas, busted up his surgically repaired right eye and won a clear unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBC interim welterweight title in a career-best victory.
Barrios will defend the belt for the first time against Fabian Maidana in the fight before Alvarez defends his crown against Jaime Munguia on Saturday (Prime Video PPV, DAZN PPV, PPV.com, 8 p.m., $89.99) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the same venue as the September event.
“It’s huge to be on a card like this, especially as the co-main event on Cinco de Mayo weekend. It’s hard to put into words,” Barrios said. “I’m motivated, focused and getting ready.”
In addition to the general motivation of being in such a prime slot on a major show, Barrios has found additional reason to be pumped up for the fight.
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