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 strain.
The two American welterweights will sq. off within the small hours of tomorrow morning, headlining a Ring Magazine present at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Despite being the defending WBC world champion, many consider that Barrios, following back-to-back attracts with Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao, is way from an elite operator at 147lbs.
Particularly towards a 46-year-old Pacquiao final July, the 30-year-old appeared to lack a level of technical prowess that’s wanted on the highest degree.
What he did show to a significantly excessive normal, nonetheless, is his potential to combat at a terrific tempo for 12 rounds.
In stark distinction to this, Garcia produced a largely lacklustre efficiency in his last outing against Rolando Romero, dropping a unanimous determination after climbing off the canvas in spherical two.
Prior to his second skilled defeat in May, ‘King Ry’ turned in a much more vigorous show towards Devin Haney, solely for his majority determination victory to be overturned to a no-contest.
This was as a result of Garcia had examined constructive 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 possible issue, whereas additionally admitting that he favours Barrios to get the job carried out.
“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 provides that the Texan should preserve his foot on the fuel and by no means permit Garcia a second to get snug.
