The World Boxing Council has made the decision to elevate Mario Barrios to their full welterweight title status, with a record of 29-2 and 18 knockouts under his belt. This move was expected after the WBC gave Terence Crawford the ‘Champion in recess’ label when he moved up to 154 pounds. Despite the logical move to elevate Barrios to full champion status immediately, the WBC inexplicably waited for some time before making the decision. While it may not have been the ideal path for Barrios to claim the WBC’s full 147-pound title, he certainly won’t be turning it down.
With the elevated status, there are potential big paydays on the horizon for the 29-year-old Barrios. If Manny Pacquiao decides to come out of retirement for a match against him or if Devin Haney moves up from 140 pounds, Barrios could be in for some lucrative opportunities. Having previously won the WBC interim title by defeating Yordenis Ugas and successfully defending it against Fabian Maidana, Barrios has already shown his potential in the welterweight division. Furthermore, a potential unification fight against IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis could be on the cards, especially with Eddie Hearn, Ennis’ promoter, expressing interest in setting up a match.
Despite the promising opportunities that lie ahead for Barrios, there are concerns about his ability to hold onto the WBC title for an extended period. While he has managed to secure victories in his last three fights following losses to Keith Thurman and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, Barrios’ vulnerability was exposed in his battle against Fabian Maidana. The fact that he struggled against a fringe contender like Maidana raises questions about his readiness to face the top-tier competition in the welterweight division. Barrios’ knockout loss to Tank in the 11th round and his one-sided defeat against Thurman further highlight his shortcomings as a top contender in the division.
While Mario Barrios’ elevation to the full welterweight title by the WBC opens up exciting possibilities for his future in the sport, there are valid concerns about his ability to maintain his status against the elite fighters in the division. With careful matchmaking and strategic decision-making by his management, Barrios may have a shot at solidifying his position at the top of the welterweight division. However, without significant improvements in his performance and consistency, his reign as WBC champion may be short-lived.