A typical boxing side show of insults broke out at Thursday's intro press conference for WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios and contender Ryan Garcia. However, this was more between Garcia and his former trainer.
Thursday at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, reigning WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios and challenger Ryan Garcia came face-to-face ahead of their highly anticipated 12-round showdown scheduled for February 21st streaming live worldwide exclusively on DAZN from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Texan Barrios, 29-2, 18 KOs, who captured the WBC welterweight title more than two years ago, has successfully defended his crown in a wild twist with back to back scorecard draws, including Abel Ramos and now, hall of famer, Manny Pacquiao. Now, he prepares to test his championship pedigree against the Californian Garcia, 24-2, 20 KOs,, who will be making his first appearance in a world title fight at 147 pounds.
A former WBC Interim Lightweight Champion, Garcia has shared the ring with several elite fighters, such as Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Devin Haney, and is known for his explosive speed and knockout power.
However, Garcia was more focused on throwing barbs and insults at his former/now Barrios trainer, Joe Goossen, during the press conference.
“It hurt me when he didn’t show up after my Tank [Davis] loss. That was a pretty big defeat and I didn’t see him after the fight. Before that camp, he was pretty cool. We had a lot of great moments and that’s where you build a relationship with your coach. It shifted when a big money fight comes along and a lot of people are involved. I’m a little disappointed in his decision to go against me but that’s what fires me up.”
Garcia even pulled out a petty T-shirt with Goosen's name on the front and "I'm a traitor" on the back.
Goosen took the "high road" in response,
“This is a little bit of a difficult situation, but you know things change in boxing. I got a call from Mario and his people and they offered me the job. Of course, I said yes without a doubt – who wouldn’t want to train the welterweight champion of the world? But again, like I said, things can get a little awkward. I had a great time with Ryan and I know he’s gonna be in great shape.
'I know that. He always trains hard, but I have to tell you I think we got an early start on this camp with Mario. We started on December 1, I integrated him into my system and he took to it very well. We’re putting in a lot of rounds and thankfully we got great sparring. I just know both of these guys, and they both will be in great shape. I predict a classic fight."
Hear us talking more about the presser as insider Dan Rafael joined me on the Big Fight Weekend preview podcast here:
For his part, the champion Barrios was unfazed by the silly taunting of Garcia and said Thursday,
“I don’t think much into it. I stay quiet, work, and do my job. Whether you like me or not, you’re going to see me on these big cards fighting in these big venues. That’s exactly why I am where I am. It’s been quite the journey, but I still have a lot to do. I’m just thankful and happy to be here.”
Both fighters are used to the big stage, although with Barrios' previous loss to Davis himself and the two recent draws in his title fights and with Garcia having been beaten in his last fight by Rolly Romero by decision in May, both need a win, too.
Certainly, the winner will be in a bigger position at welterweight for sure.