WBC champion Mario Barrios is no longer surprised or starstruck by his opponent Manny Pacquiao. Three weeks before the toughest fight of his life, Barrios has one thing in mind – don't be afraid of Pacquiao's name and do everything to defend his title.
During a media workout at Pound 4 Pound Gym in Las Vegas, Barrios said he wasn't training to face a legend. "At first, I was surprised when I found out that Pacquiao was the one I was going to fight. But as the training went on, I just thought of him as an average guy who wanted to take my title," Barrios said with his trainer Bob Santos.
Barrios is younger and bigger than Pacquiao. He is six feet tall while Pacquiao is only 5’5”. In addition, Pacquiao has not fought in four years so he is the underdog. Because of this, Barrios is the favorite of the betting.
Although they get along well in press conferences, Barrios admits that things are different in the ring. “I have respect for everything he has done in boxing and his attitude. But on fight day, the respect is gone. We both enter the ring with bad intentions,” he added.
"Now, we're smiling but when it comes to the fight, I'll do everything I can to prevent him from taking my title."
