Mario Barrios facts for kids

Mario Thomas Barrios (born May 18, 1995) is an American professional boxer. He is known for his powerful punches and exciting fights. Mario has held important boxing titles, including the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight championship since 2024. Before that, he was the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight champion from 2019 to 2021.

Mario Barrios' Boxing Journey

Mario Barrios started his professional boxing career in 2013. He quickly became known for his strength.

Becoming a Champion

First Big Win: Barrios vs. Akhmedov

On September 28, 2019, Mario Barrios fought Batyr Akhmedov. Akhmedov had never lost a fight before. Mario won this tough match by a unanimous decision, which means all the judges thought he won. He even knocked Akhmedov down twice during the fight! This win made Mario the WBA super lightweight champion.

Defending the Title: Barrios vs. Karl

Mario defended his WBA title on October 31, 2020, against Ryan Karl. The fight was exciting, with both boxers landing strong punches. In the sixth round, Mario landed a powerful left hook that knocked Karl down. The referee stopped the fight, and Mario won by technical knockout (TKO).

Tough Loss: Barrios vs. Davis

On June 26, 2021, Mario faced another undefeated boxer, Gervonta Davis. This was a very challenging fight for Mario. Davis knocked Mario down three times during the match. In the eleventh round, the referee stopped the fight, and Mario lost by TKO. This was his first loss as a professional boxer.

Moving Up in Weight

After his loss to Davis, Mario decided to move up to a heavier weight class called welterweight.

Barrios vs. Thurman

Mario's first fight at welterweight was against Keith Thurman on February 5, 2022. Thurman was a former champion. Mario fought hard for 12 rounds, but he lost the fight by a unanimous decision.

Winning a New Title: Barrios vs. Santiago

A year later, on February 11, 2023, Mario fought Jovanie Santiago. This fight was for the WBC Continental Americas welterweight title. Mario showed his power in the eighth round. He landed a strong punch to Santiago's body, which made him fall. Santiago got back up, but Mario kept attacking. Santiago's corner then threw in the towel, meaning they wanted to stop the fight. Mario won by TKO and became the new champion!

Becoming an Interim WBC Champion

Barrios vs. Ugás

On September 30, 2023, Mario Barrios fought Yordenis Ugás for the vacant Interim WBC welterweight title. Many people thought Ugás would win because he had more experience at welterweight. But Mario surprised everyone! He fought incredibly well, knocking Ugás down twice. Mario won the fight by a unanimous decision, becoming the Interim WBC welterweight champion.

First Defense: Barrios vs. Maidana

Mario defended his Interim WBC title on May 4, 2024, against Fabián Maidana. Mario knocked Maidana down in the third round. Even with a swollen eye, Mario kept fighting strongly and won the fight by unanimous decision.

Becoming the Full WBC Champion

On May 27, 2024, the World Boxing Council (WBC) made a big announcement. They changed Terence Crawford's status as welterweight champion. Then, on June 18, 2024, the WBC officially made Mario Barrios the full WBC Welterweight Champion! This was a huge achievement for him.

Defending the Main Title: Barrios vs. Ramos

Mario made his first defense of the WBC welterweight title against Abel Ramos on November 15, 2024. It was a very close and exciting fight. Mario knocked Ramos down in the second round. However, Ramos knocked Mario down in the sixth round! Both boxers fought hard until the very end. After 12 rounds, the judges scored the fight a split draw, meaning Mario kept his championship belt.

Barrios vs. Pacquiao

On July 19, 2025, Mario Barrios faced boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. This was a highly anticipated fight for the WBC welterweight championship. After 12 competitive rounds, the fight ended in a majority draw. One judge scored it for Barrios, while the other two judges scored it a tie. Because it was a draw, Mario Barrios successfully kept his WBC welterweight title.

Boxing Record Summary

Mario Barrios has had an impressive career so far:

Personal Life

Mario's sister, Selina Barrios, is also a professional boxer.

See also

In Spanish: Mario Barrios para niños

• List of world light-welterweight boxing champions
• List of world welterweight boxing champions