Mario Barrios: I Want To Take it Further, Contend For The Main WBC Title

T-Cellular Area, Las Vegas – In a battle of former world champions, San Antonio’s Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (28-2, 18 KOs) scored two knockdowns and earned the Interim WBC Welterweight Title with a powerful unanimous resolution (117-108, 118-107 twice) over Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs) of their pay-per-view undercard attraction.

“I am sore however I am full of pleasure and pleasure proper now,” stated Barrios. “The whole lot from camp paid off tonight. I am pleased with my efficiency. I’ve at all times thought very extremely of Ugas and I’ve much more respect for him now. He put up a hell of a combat and I am grateful to him for the chance.”

Barrios landed the primary momentum-shifting blow of the combat late in spherical two as he snuck in a robust left hand in opposition to the charging Ugas, sending the previous welterweight champion to the ground. Ugas was unfazed in rising to his toes, however the shot portended the difficulties he’d have in beating the youthful Barrios to the punch.

“The primary knockdown undoubtedly set the tone as a result of early on he caught me with a pleasant liver shot that slowed me down a bit of bit,” stated Barrios. “As soon as I settled down and located that fast little jab, that’s once I was capable of begin selecting up the tempo.”

The velocity discrepancy didn’t cease Ugas from getting again into the combat as he utilized an elevated physique assault and several other sharp proper fingers to attempt to decelerate Barrios. Barrios’ exercise made it tough for Ugas to construct momentum, as he out-threw Ugas 810 to 484 and landed extra jabs (107) than Ugas landed complete pictures (101).

The constant assault from Barrios started to put on on Ugas, who’s proper eye swelled up and compelled remark from the ringside doctor 3 times earlier than the combat’s ultimate three rounds. In spherical 12, Barrios closed the present in fashion, touchdown a flush counter left hook in opposition to the swelling eye of Ugas, placing him down for the second time within the combat. Whereas attempting to outlive the spherical, Ugas’ mouthpiece fell out twice, prompting referee Tom Taylor to deduct a degree earlier than the ultimate bell. Together with his greatest win at 147 kilos in hand, Barrios set his sights on extra huge fights at welterweight.

“I wish to take it additional and contend for the primary WBC title,” stated Barrios. “I do know that there are steps to get there. I’m going to take a seat down with my group and we’re going to see what’s subsequent.”