Mario Barrios Says Goal Is To Become Two-Time World Champion

Mario Barrios says his main goal is to become a two-time world champion.

Barrios is set to return on February 11 against Jovanie Santiago in his first fight since losing to Keith Thurman in his welterweight debut. However, he’s hoping to make good in his second chance at the weight class but knows beating Santiago is easier said than done.

“I think he’s a quality fighter. He had a close fight with Adrien Broner that many say he should have won. I thought he struggled with Gary Antuanne Russell, but Gary is a great fighter,” Barrios said (via BoxingScene). “I personally think Santiago is a guy that if you take him lightly, he can make you look bad. In no way am I intending to disrespect him, but I am going to show why I have been featured on two pay-per-view main events and am a former world champion. This fight is about me ending this lay off and proving that I am at a different level, and a threat in this division. I think you will see a clear separation between us in this bout.”

If Mario Barrios gets his hand raised, he knows it set him up nicely in his new division. He already was the WBA regular super lightweight champion and believes he’d be closing in on a chance to become a two-time champion.

“A win puts me in the position I want to be in, which is competing for a world title. A lot of titles have become vacant as of late, and I think with a strong showing I could get in the mix with any of the world champions in the division,” Barrios said. “My goal right now is to become a two-time world champion, and that is what I am set on doing. A win essentially gives me that next step to get close to a title eliminator or the bigger names in the welterweight division. I want to perform in a way that makes my city and my team proud and continues to make the networks want to see me in bigger fights.”

Do you think Mario Barrios will finish Joviane Santiago?