Undefeated super featherweight contender Mario Barrios (15-0, 8 KOs) is deep into training camp for his world title eliminator against former title challenger Devis Boschiero (39-4-1, 21 KOs) Saturday, July 9 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.
Barrios will be taking on the most accomplished opponent of his career as he looks to put himself in the number two position for Jose Pedraza’s 130-pound title. For this training camp, Barrios has moved part of his training camp from San Antonio to Las Vegas where he has sparred at the UNLV Gym and at the gym of former world champion Robert Guerrero.
Here is what Barrios had to say about his fight, training camp and more:
On fighting in his first 12-round main event…
“This is what I’ve worked my whole life for, to be fighting in main events on national television. I’m confident that I’ll be able to the full 12-rounds if need be. My goal is to get the knockout though. I really want to make a statement in this fight.”
On his matchup with Devis Boschiero…
“All I know about Boschiero is that he’s got a lot of fights and he’s a top contender. I know he’s hungry so I’m not taking him lightly. I’ve seen some tape on him and I know he likes to come forward. Everyone can expect to see a lot of had punches being thrown by both of us. I’m expecting a war.”
On the landscape of the super featherweight division…
“It’s a very tough division loaded with a lot of great fighters. I would say Lomachenko, Pedraza and Vargas are the top dogs for now. Salido is also up there. It’s one of the toughest divisions in boxing. I’m hoping I can become a champion in this division. A victory against Boschiero puts me right there to challenge for the title. I’m a hungry fighter and everyone will see that on July 9.”
On hosting training camp in Las Vegas for the first time…
“Training in Las Vegas has been incredible. Running in high elevation is something new for me. I had to get used to it when I first got out here. It’s been a tough camp but I know all the hard word will pay off.”
On fighting on ESPN during primetime on Saturday night…
“I’m very happy to be fighting on ESPN during primetime on Saturday night. I have a lot of family, friends and fans back home who’ll be tuning in. I just want to go out there and shine. I feel my style is explosive for television and I hope everyone enjoys what I bring to the table. Everyone will see a determined fighter in myself, who’s going to leave everything in the ring.”
