Mario Barrios’s last win came one year before Manny Pacquiao meeting against KO artist on Canelo Alvarez undercard

Mario Barrios last earned a victory against Fabian Maidana in May 2024

After Barrios suffered losses to Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman, he would have to rework his way to title contention.

Moving to welterweight in February 2022 against Thurman, Barrios’s debut in the division did not go according to plan. However, a win against Jovanie Santiago would earn him an opportunity at the interim WBC World Welterweight title.

Barrios defeated Yordenis Ugas for the interim title, as his record improved to 28-2. Then, Barrios was set to defend the belt against Fabian Maidana in May 2024.

Fighting at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the welterweights fought on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia.

Maidana went into the fight with a 22-2 record, with three of his last four wins coming by knockout. However, in the early stages of the fight, it seemed as if Barrios was the more likely to earn the finish.

Despite a good opening from Maidana, he would hit the canvas in round three. A sharp right hand from the interim champion put Maidana down for the first time in his career.

There were no more knockdowns in the fight as Barrios had a strong ending to the fight that saw him pick up a unanimous decision win.

Mario Barrios was elevated to full champion in 2024

Terence Crawford was the holder of the WBC World Welterweight title for just under a year between 2023 and 2024.

In June 2024, Crawford announced his move to super welterweight, where he took on Israil Madrimov. However, the move made the WBC title vacant.

Due to this, the WBC decided to promote the interim champion Barrios. Crawford’s move would make Barrios a two-time world champion.

Barrios has made one retention of the title ahead of his meeting with Pacquiao, as he drew with Abel Ramos in November 2024.