MANILA, Philippines–While Manny Pacquiao needs no introduction, his Mexican-American opponent Mario Barrios has yet to fully establish a name for himself despite his WBC welterweight champion status.
A victory over Pacquiao in the biggest bout of Barrios’ career changes the narrative. Until then, the San Antonio, Texas native still has a reputation left to build.
Women influence in Barrios’ life
Mario Barrios celebrates after defeating Justin Lopez during a Premier Boxing Champions bout in the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 7, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
In a sport dominated by men, Barrios’ affinity and passion for boxing were shaped by women in his family.
Much like Pacquiao, Barrios had a rough childhood. His father, Mario Barrios Sr. was imprisoned for the murder of his older sister, Esperanza. Barrios Jr. was only seven weeks old at that time. He would not know about the tragedy until he was nine, as per a 2022 story on Premier Boxing Champions site.
He was raised by his grandmother, and it was his mother, Isabel Soto, who introduced him to boxing at a young age of six–then he quickly found refuge in the sport.
Barrios and his older sister, Selina, were enrolled at Eastside Boys & Girls Club gym in San Antonio. Selina also went on to become a pro boxer with seven fights under her belt.
Barrios embarked on his amateur career at 11 and thrived under the tutelage of his stepfather Martin Soto. He compiled an impressive 75-3 record in the amateur ranks before turning professional as a super bantamweight in 2013.
Who has Barrios fought?
Adel Ramos and Mario Barrios fight during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024/AFP
Barrios faced his first real test as a super lightweight, staking his WBA (regular) belt against the undefeated Gervonta Davis. He was stopped in the 11th round in June 2021, which also ended Barrios’ unbeaten run of 25-0 to begin his pro bid.
Eight months later, Barrios moved up to welterweight and lost to Keith Thurman by unanimous decision. The bout marked Thurman’s return three years after yielding the WBA (Super) strap to Pacquiao.
READ: Manny Pacquiao ‘can hurt’ Mario Barrios–Keith Thurman
After successive setbacks, things began to look up for Barrios. He strung up three straight wins, including against another former Pacquiao foe Yordenis Ugas, to claim the WBC interim crown in September 2023.
Ugas is best known for beating Pacquiao in a stunning upset in August 2021. The fight was Pacquiao’s last appearance in a pro setting before he announced his retirement.
Barrios was then elevated to a full-fledged WBC champion after pound-for-pound fighter Terence Crawford climbed to the 154-pound division.
His first title defense, however, left much to be desired after salvaging a split draw against unheralded Abel Ramos November 2024.
How does Barrios stack up against Pacquiao?
But by no means the 30-year-old Barrios should be taken lightly. He is the clear favorite against Pacquiao and the glaring age disparity is just one of the reasons.
Fun fact: Barrios wasn’t even born yet when a 16-year-old Pacquiao had a triumphant pro debut in January 1995.
READ: Mario Barrios bracing for ‘best version’ of Manny Pacquiao
Listed at 5-foot-9 and a half, the lanky Barrios has a four-inch height advantage.
While Pacquiao had some of his best performances against much taller fighters during his heyday, that may not be the case this time around with the 46-year-old dusting off the cobwebs after four years of inactivity.
Barrios and Ugas are of the same height and the Cuban posed problems for Pacquiao en route to a unanimous decision win.
Barrios is ‘champion for a reason’
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) and Mexican-US boxer Mario Barrios face off during the press conference ahead of their July 19 WBC welterweight title fight at the NOVO at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on June 3, 2025. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
Barrios speaks highly of Pacquiao, one of the greatest fighters ever and boxing’s only eight-division champion. He even expressed disbelief, looking ahead to their July 19 clash at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“This is crazy to put into words. I have all the respect for him and nothing but good things to say about him outside of the ring, but inside of there, he’s just another man trying to take what’s mine,” he said at press conference in Los Angeles earlier this month.
READ: Mario Barrios unfazed by Manny Pacquiao: ‘He’s just another man’
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“It’s been a long road, but I’m here and I’m the champion for a reason and I’m going to show that on July 19.”
Barrios is cognizant of what’s on the line, and it’s not just his WBC crown; his legacy also hangs in the balance.
“A victory over the legend is huge for me,” he said. “It’s huge for everything I’m working for, not only myself, my family, my daughter, and everything is on the line right now. I know it’s a huge task at hand. He’s a legend for a reason.”