The World Boxing Council recently elevated Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) to their full welterweight title, a move that had been anticipated for some time. Initially, the WBC had given Terence Crawford the ‘Champion in recess’ tag when he moved up to the 154-pound division. The decision to wait before awarding Barrios the full championship may not have been the most ideal scenario for the boxer, but it is a title that he won’t be turning down.
With the WBC full 147-lb title now in his possession, Barrios is set to potentially face lucrative matchups. The likes of Manny Pacquiao coming out of retirement or Devin Haney moving up from 140 could result in a big payday for the 29-year-old champion. Furthermore, a unification bout with IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is also a possibility, with promoter Eddie Hearn keen on setting up the fight. While these matchups offer significant financial incentives, they also come with their own risks for Barrios.
Barrios’ ability to hold onto the WBC title in the long term is called into question, particularly when facing top-tier opponents. His vulnerability was on display in his last fight against Fabian Maidana, where he struggled against a fringe contender. The fact that Barrios has suffered defeats to the likes of Keith Thurman and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in the past raises concerns about his capabilities against elite competition. The one-sided defeat to Thurman, who had been inactive for a significant period, highlighted the gap in skill between Barrios and the elite welterweight fighters.
Moving forward, Barrios will need to carefully navigate his matchups and ensure that he is not exposed to opponents who are beyond his current skill level. While the WBC title offers prestige and financial rewards, it also comes with the burden of defending it against formidable challengers. Whether Barrios can rise to the occasion and establish himself as a dominant force in the welterweight division remains to be seen. Only time will tell if he can overcome his vulnerabilities and solidify his status as a true champion in the sport of boxing.