Barrios bullish on S.A. pal Franco’s championship chances
Mario Barrios is still growing in the sport of boxing. At age 25, he might not be an expert in the Sweet Science. Not yet anyway.
But he knows a thing or two about fighting for world championships. About how to handle the pressure, the distractions and nerves when it comes to fighting for boxing’s ultimate prize.
He became San Antonio’s fourth world champion — and first in 25 years — in September when he defeated Batyr Akhmedov for a version of the WBA super lightweight title.
So when Barrios talks, people should listen.
Today, he has some advice for his pal, fellow San Antonian Joshua Franco, who fights for the WBA super flyweight title June 23 in Las Vegas.
That advice includes common suggestions such as getting plenty of rest. Stick to the game plan. Trust your preparation. And one other thing.
“He might want to turn off his phone and go completely off the grid,” Barrios said. “A lot of people are going to be coming at him. He has to do whatever he has to do to stay focused.”
Franco (16-1-2, 8 KOS) is scheduled to fight Andrew Moloney (21-0, 14 KOS) of Australia for the WBA’S regular 115-pound title.
Moloney, 29, whose twin brother Jason is 20-1 with 17 KOS as a bantamweight, won the WBA’S interim super flyweight title in November with an eighthround TKO of Elton Dharry of Melbourne.
He was later elevated to “regular” 115-pound champion after Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez was made “super” champion in March.
Franco and Moloney’s 12round bout will be televised on ESPN.
But there’s a catch. Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, numerous health and safety protocols are in place for the event (Franco said he tested negative for COVID-19 on Tuesday).
The bout will take place at the MGM Grand Conference Center apart from the main arena.
With no fans in attendance.
“I’m sure he’ll be able to adjust,” Barrios said of Franco. “He’s shown a lot of poise in his fights. He’s been boxing a while now. He knows what to do.”
The two have been good friends since starting their amateur careers together at the former San Fernando Gym downtown.
“I keep up with him. We talk pretty often,” Barrios said. “I’ve seen most of his fights. He’s a very technical fighter, which I’ve always appreciated. He knows when to box; he knows when to bang. He breaks down his opponents as the rounds go on.”
Franco, 24, said he appreciates Barrios’ support. He said he was excited for Barrios when he defeated Akhmedov in September in a close, hard-fought matchup.
“I was here for that fight,” Franco said. “It was a tough fight. He proved to be a warrior in the later rounds, and that’s what got him the win. He’s only going to get better every time out.”
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Barrios will not be able to be in attendance for Franco’s fight against Moloney. But he plans to watch on TV.
If Franco wins, it would give San Antonio two world champions at the same time, a first since John Michael Johnson and “Jesse” James Leija won major world titles two weeks apart in 1994.
“I’ve said many times San Antonio is a hotbed for boxing,” Barrios said. “Having two champions at one time would be pretty cool. I was fortunate enough to be the first one in 25 years. Now Josh will be the second. Who knows who’s going to be next? There’s a lot of talent out
there locally right now.”
“Two in one year would be pretty exciting,” Franco said.
Barrios showed great resolve in his win over Akhmedov, flooring his opponent in the final round after appearing on the brink of defeat.
“Moments like that can define champions,” Barrios said. “I have no doubt Josh has it in there to do the same.”
He called winning a world title the highlight of his career. He said it’s still “surreal” to him all these weeks later. He expects Franco to “dominate” and become San Antonio’s fifth world champion.
“He has heart, he has a lot of ability,” Barrios said. “I’m so happy he’s getting this opportunity.”