Garcia started this fight absolutely on fire. He hit Barrios with a hard 1-2 early, and then a second right hand immediately dropped Barrios! Barrios regained his balance and seemed fine, trying to get back on the front foot with his jab. Garcia brought his right hand to the body to good effect and then put together a four-punch combination. This was the “King Ryan” people were looking for against Rolly Romero!
Advertisement
Garcia stayed hot until the second. His speed was really on display as he would suddenly time Barrios with a big left hook or uppercut connection. Barrios had some success with the body work, but he was still a step behind the young man. As the fight progressed into rounds three and four, Garcia’s powerful punches rarely missed. Even when Barrios blocked them, he would end up significantly moved by García’s surprisingly active right hand.
Early in the fifth, Garcia nearly finished Barrios with an extended series of punches. Barrios showed his toughness but little else as the rounds progressed. He continued to press but didn’t throw as much as Garcia, whose power and range continued to make Barrios nervous. Barrios’ only hope was a sudden knockout or a complete gas tank failure, but Garcia continued to move and box well into the fight. Even in the final rounds, Barrios failed to gain any momentum as he was too shocked by Garcia’s speed and power.
Check out the highlights below:
Officially, only one of the judges gave each round, but the three cards were very, very wide. Garcia remains a mercurial fighter who occasionally catches lightning in a bottle, and he was definitely at his best in this matchup. If Garcia can fight this way consistently, countless incredible matchups can be made.
Advertisement
Final Result: Ryan García defeats Mario Barrios by unanimous decision
To see the complete boxing results García vs. Neighborhoods and play by play, click here.