Bob Santos Says Mario Barrios is Focused on Big Fights, Rules Out Ramos Rematch

In the boxing world, decisions from trainers can change everything for a fighter.  Bob Santos, who trains WBC 147-pound champ Mario Barrios, recently made it clear that they’re not interested in a rematch with Abel Ramos. Instead, Barrios has his eyes set on some major names: Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn.

No Rematch with Ramos

After their last fight ended in a split draw, Santos is standing by his belief that Barrios should have come out on top. The official scorecards read 112-114, 113-113, and 116-110, making it a close contest, but Santos thinks they did enough to win. He believes a key moment was messed up by the referee in the first round when they had a potential knockdown that didn’t get ruled properly.

Santos said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that we won the fight. The judges saw what they saw, but, in my mind, we won the fight.” He respects Ramos as a tough opponent but feels that Barrios has earned the right to move on to bigger fights instead of settling for a rematch.

Barrios is Aiming High

Now that a rematch with Ramos is off the table, Barrios is looking for the big names in boxing. Santos confirmed that they are considering fights with legends like Pacquiao, who might be thinking about making a comeback, or the highly ranked Benn. “I mean, obviously, we’re considering Pacquiao. We’re looking at all our options, just like any world champion would do,” Santos stated.

Barrios, with a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, is ready to step into the ring with some serious competition. This approach shows that he’s not just fighting for titles but also for the recognition and respect that come with fighting the best in the game.

What’s Next for Barrios?

Santos makes it clear that Barrios deserves high-profile fights after his recent performances. He posed an interesting question, saying, “If Abel Ramos was in our position and could fight Conor Benn or Manny Pacquiao, is he going to choose to fight Mario Barrios?” This statement emphasizes that Barrios is ready to take on challenges that match his skills and aspirations.

As they look toward future fights, Santos and Barrios are evaluating their options carefully. The boxing world is buzzing about who Barrios might face next, as both Pacquiao and Benn offer unique challenges that could define his career.

In short, Santos’ decision to rule out a rematch with Ramos highlights a turning point for Barrios. With his sights set on legends, he’s gearing up to make waves in the boxing scene. Fans can’t wait to see what comes next for Barrios, as he aims to carve out his legacy and prove he’s among the elite in the sport.