Mario Barrios Says Promotion Focused on Ryan Garcia Doesn’t Bother Him

Mario Barrios Responds To Ryan Garcia-Centered Promotion

Mario Barrios says the promotion may revolve around Ryan Garcia, but the title still belongs to him. The WBC champion insists the imbalance has not affected his preparation.

The event has been marketed heavily around Garcia’s attempt to win his first title at 147 pounds, even though Barrios enters as the reigning belt holder.

Barrios made clear he is aware of how the promotion has unfolded, but does not view it as relevant once the fight begins.

“A lot of the things that are part of this promotion have felt like it’s very Ryan Garcia type of event,” Barrios said during a press conference at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “None of it has bothered me. I know I’m the champion for a reason.”

Garcia remains one of boxing’s most recognizable names and has continued to receive top billing throughout the build-up, reflecting his commercial profile and long-standing visibility with fans. Barrios, who won the WBC welterweight title and now enters his first defense against Garcia, has taken a quieter approach, focusing on preparation rather than engaging in the promotional narrative.

Barrios said his focus remains on execution rather than perception, pointing to the sparring rounds, conditioning, and adjustments with Joe Goossen as the only factors he can control. He credited his preparation and adjustments made with trainer Joe Goossen, who joined his team in advance of the title defense.

“The work majority is definitely just fine-tuning everything, offense, defense,” Barrios said. “Things that I felt that I was missing in my last couple performances. We got plenty of work in the gym, plenty of rounds, just fine-tuning everything. I’m very happy with the way things went during this camp.”

Garcia enters the fight attempting to secure his first title at welterweight after moving up from lower divisions earlier in his career. His return to working with his father, Henry Garcia, has also been a focal point during the build-up, reinforcing the attention surrounding his pursuit of a championship.

Barrios said none of the external attention has changed his approach or confidence ahead of the defense.

“Every time I get in there, I leave it all in there,” Barrios said. “That’s exactly what I’m looking forward to this Saturday.”

Barrios will defend his WBC welterweight title against Garcia at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the fight scheduled to stream live on DAZN.