Rising Contender Talks Training with Virgil Hunter, Moving Up in Weight & More Before Competing in Undercard Action
Saturday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 10 from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles
Nyem NTAWM NO for Photos from Brett Ostrowski/Team Barrios
Oakland (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 2, 2016) – Undefeated prospect Mario Barrios (16-0, 8 Kos) is set to make his lightweight debut when he fights Argentina’s Claudio Rosendo Tapia (28-17-4, 13 Kos) in undercard action on Saturday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 10 from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles.
Lub Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 10 event is headlined by featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar defending against former three-division world champion Hlob Abner mares in a long-awaited showdown. Lub SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast pib thaum 10 p.m. THIAB/7 p.m. PT with junior middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo and top-rated challenger Julian Williams in a world championship battle of undefeated rising stars in their prime.
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Barrios shared thoughts on his first training camp with Virgil Hunter, moving up and weight in more. Here is what the San Antonio-native had to say from Oakland:
On moving up to lightweight…
“Thaum 6'1, it was getting difficult making 130 phaus. I feel a lot stronger now that I’m fighting at lightweight. It’s also safer not to be drained going into fights. Nyob rau hauv kuv lub xeem sib ntaus, I killed myself trying to make weight. I believe this is the right move for me.”
Rau working with new coach, 2011 BWAA “Tus kws qhia ntawm lub xyoo” Virgil Hunter…
“I have a lot of respect for Virgil Hunter. He’s great explaining the fundamentals of boxing. He’s a great motivator and I’m looking forward to a bright future with Virgil. Everyone knows he’s one of the best trainers in the world so I’m excited to have him in my corner leading the way.”
On fighting in Los Angeles on Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 10…
“This will be a great card to fight on. Yexus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares is going to be an all-out war. This will be the second time fighting at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. I’m looking to put on a great performance for all the Mexican fans that will be in attendance. Everyone will see a stronger fighter when I step in the ring on Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 10.”
On his recent training camp in California…
“Training in California has been very productive. I’ve got a lot of good sparring and my strength and conditioning has gone to a new level. I feel powerful and I know I’ll be at my best when I step in the ring. Tag nrho rau hauv tag nrho cov, it’s been a great learning experience working out here on the west coast.”
On fighting Argentinean veteran Claudio Rosendo Tapia…
“I know he just went the distance with two undefeated fighters, so I know he’s durable. Fighters from Argentina always bring it. I know this fight will get rough at some point so I’ll be well prepared for anything he brings. I’m very confident in my ability to come out victorious.”
On his goals for 2017…
“2017 will be a year where I’ll get comfortable fighting at a higher weight class. My main goal is to stay busy and get as many fights in as possible. I can see myself possibly fighting at super lightweight if I keep growing. I’m just going to take it day by day.”
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