Roy Jones Jr has delivered his final verdict on Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia, envisioning a battle between Garcia’s left hook and Barrios’ relentless pressure.
The two American welterweights will square off in the small hours of tomorrow morning, headlining a Ring Magazine show at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Despite being the defending WBC world champion, many believe that Barrios, following back-to-back draws with Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao, is far from an elite operator at 147lbs.
Particularly against a 46-year-old Pacquiao last July, the 30-year-old seemed to lack a degree of technical prowess that is needed at the highest level.
What he did demonstrate to a considerably high standard, however, is his ability to fight at a terrific pace for 12 rounds.
In stark contrast to this, Garcia produced a largely lacklustre performance in his last outing against Rolando Romero, losing a unanimous decision after climbing off the canvas in round two.
Prior to his second professional defeat in May, ‘King Ry’ turned in a far more vigorous display against Devin Haney, only for his majority decision victory to be overturned to a no-contest.
This was because Garcia had tested positive for ostarine, a performance-enhancing substance, which led to him receiving a year-long ban by the New York State Athletic Commission.
Speaking with ESPN, pound-for-pound legend Jones has highlighted the 27-year-old’s left hook as a potential factor, while also admitting that he favours Barrios to get the job done.
“I probably lean toward Barrios, but it’s a tough call.
“If Barrios can take Garcia’s hook, he’s got a good chance to win the fight. And if Garcia can hurt him, then Garcia has a better chance to win the fight.
“But I like Barrios as of late. He just got a lot of rounds in against Pacquiao in a fight I actually thought could have gone either way, but he got the better of it.
“I hope that’ll give him the confidence he needs.”
As a key to victory for Barrios, Jones adds that the Texan must keep his foot on the gas and never allow Garcia a moment to get comfortable.