Mario Thomas Barrios Bio
Mario Thomas Barrios, born on May 18, 1995, in Racine, Wisconsin, United States, is a Mexican-American professional boxer competing in the welterweight division. He has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title since 2024 and previously held the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Regular) super lightweight title from 2019 to 2021. Barrios is known for his knockout power and impressive victories throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Mario Barrios was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. Details about his family background are limited, but it is known that his sister Selina Barrios is also a professional boxer, indicating a family connection to the sport. Barrios developed his boxing skills from a young age, which laid the foundation for his professional career.
Standing 6 feet tall with a reach of 74 inches, Barrios fights in an orthodox stance. His physical attributes and dedication have contributed to his success in multiple weight divisions. Specific information about his education is not publicly available.
Path to Boxing
Barrios began his professional boxing career in 2013, quickly making a name for himself in the light welterweight division. Early in his career, he demonstrated significant knockout power and technical skill, which helped him rise through the ranks. His early victories set the stage for championship opportunities and recognition within the boxing community.
His progression through the ranks included notable wins and gaining experience against increasingly challenging opponents. This development phase was crucial in preparing Barrios for national and international competition in the sport.
Mario Barrios Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Mario Barrios turned professional in 2013 and quickly established himself as a formidable contender in the light welterweight division. During these formative years, he amassed a strong record with numerous wins, many by knockout, showcasing his power and skill in the ring. This period was marked by steady progress and gaining valuable experience against a variety of opponents.
Barrios’ early career was characterized by his aggressive style and ability to finish fights decisively. These attributes helped him build a reputation and set the stage for his first major title opportunities.
WBA (Regular) Super Lightweight Champion (2019–2021)
On September 28, 2019, Barrios won the vacant WBA (Regular) super lightweight title by defeating undefeated Batyr Akhmedov via unanimous decision. The fight was tough and competitive, with Barrios dropping Akhmedov twice but also enduring significant punishment. Despite some controversy over the decision, this victory marked a major milestone in his career.
Barrios successfully defended his WBA title on October 31, 2020, with a sixth-round technical knockout against Ryan Karl. The fight featured intense exchanges and a decisive finish after Karl suffered a cut from an accidental head clash. This defense demonstrated Barrios’ resilience and finishing ability.
His reign as WBA (Regular) super lightweight champion ended following a loss to Gervonta Davis on June 26, 2021. Davis knocked Barrios down multiple times en route to an eleventh-round technical knockout, handing Barrios his first professional defeat. Despite the loss, Barrios remained a respected competitor in the division.
Welterweight Division and WBC Interim Champion (2022–2024)
After moving up to the welterweight division in 2022, Barrios faced former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman in a WBC welterweight world title eliminator but lost by unanimous decision. This step up in weight class marked a new chapter in his career, facing tougher competition.
In February 2023, Barrios won the vacant WBC Continental Americas welterweight title by defeating Jovanie Santiago via eighth-round technical knockout. This victory revitalized his career and positioned him for further title opportunities in the welterweight division.
On September 30, 2023, Barrios captured the interim WBC welterweight title by defeating former WBA (Super) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugás via unanimous decision. Barrios scored two knockdowns and dominated the fight, overcoming the odds as a five-to-one underdog. This win was a significant upset and established him as a top contender in the welterweight class.
Barrios successfully defended the interim title on May 4, 2024, against Fabian Maidana, winning by unanimous decision despite fighting through a swollen eye. His performance demonstrated his toughness and tactical skill at the highest level.
WBC Welterweight Champion Era (2024–Present)
On June 18, 2024, the WBC elevated Mario Barrios from interim to full welterweight champion following the demotion of Terence Crawford. Barrios officially became the WBC welterweight champion, solidifying his status at the top of the division.
Barrios made his first defense of the WBC welterweight title on November 15, 2024, against Abel Ramos on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event. The bout was competitive and intense, with Barrios retaining his title via a split draw decision after 12 rounds.
In July 2025, Barrios defended his title against former eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The fight ended in a majority draw, allowing Barrios to retain the WBC welterweight championship. This high-profile bout further established Barrios’ reputation on the world stage.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mario Barrios is known for his orthodox stance, utilizing his 74-inch reach effectively to control distance with jabs and combinations. His fighting style combines power and technical skill, allowing him to deliver knockouts while maintaining tactical discipline. Barrios’ resilience and ability to adapt during fights are key strengths, supported by his aggressive yet calculated approach.
Notable Events and Milestones
Barrios’ career milestones include winning the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title in 2019, capturing the interim WBC welterweight title in 2023, and being elevated to full WBC welterweight champion in 2024. His victory over Yordenis Ugás was a major upset, and his title defenses against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao have been significant moments in his career.
Mario Barrios Career Wins
Mario Barrios has compiled an impressive professional record with 29 wins, including 18 by knockout, out of 33 total fights. His victories span multiple weight divisions and include world championship titles, highlighting his success and longevity in the sport.
WBA (Regular) Super Lightweight Highlights
Barrios won the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title in 2019 by defeating Batyr Akhmedov. He defended the title successfully against Ryan Karl in 2020 before losing it to Gervonta Davis in 2021. His reign in this division showcased his power and skill, with notable knockout victories and competitive performances.
WBC Welterweight Highlights
After moving up to welterweight, Barrios won the interim WBC welterweight title in 2023 by defeating Yordenis Ugás. He was elevated to full champion in 2024 and has since defended the title against top contenders, including Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao. His welterweight tenure has been marked by significant wins and competitive title defenses.
Other Wins & Performances
Barrios has also claimed regional titles such as the WBC Continental Americas welterweight title, demonstrating his ability to compete and succeed at various levels within professional boxing.
Mario Barrios Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mario Barrios comes from a family with a boxing background, as his sister Selina Barrios is also a professional boxer. This familial connection to the sport suggests a supportive environment that fostered his development as a fighter.
Personal Life
Details about Mario Barrios’ personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his boxing career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Mario Barrios continued to defend his WBC welterweight title, including a notable majority draw against Manny Pacquiao in July. This fight marked Pacquiao’s return from retirement and was a high-profile event that tested Barrios against one of boxing’s all-time greats. Barrios’ ability to retain his title in this competitive bout reinforced his standing in the division.
Throughout the season, Barrios demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, maintaining his championship status amid strong competition. His performances have positioned him as a key figure in the welterweight division with potential for further high-profile bouts.