Barrios: Kovalev's Rage Could Be His Downfall in Ward Rematch

By Ryan Burton

Up and coming super lightweight prospect Mario "Golden Boy" Barrios (18-0) returns to the ring Sunday at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California against Jose Luis Rodriguez (21-9). The bout will serve as the FS1 televised co-feature bout in chief support of the Brandon Rios-Aaron Herrera main event.

Barrios, who is trained by world class trainer Virgil Hunter and advised by Al Haymon, has won his last two bouts by knockout and hopes to continue that streak as he transitions from prospect to contender status.

The San Antonio native is 1-0 in 2017 and when 3-0 last year as he continues to climb the ranks.

Hunter of course is widely known for his work with WBA/WBO/IBF light heavyweight champion Andre Ward.  The two have worked together since Ward fought in the amateurs and Barrios said that he is very grateful for the pointers that Ward has given him.

"Like I said, Andre Ward is going to make it very clear why he is the pound for pound for pound champion.  I have been here everyday watching him spar and watching him train. I am just trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can while I am around him," said Barrios.

Ward returns to the ring a week after Barrios against Sergey Kovalev in their highly anticipated rematch of their November bout.  Ward narrowly outpointed the Russian the first time around in a fight that Kovalev felt the judges robbed from him.  He has been very vocal in the lead up to their second bout and Barrios feels that may come back to haunt him on June 17th when they renew acquaintances at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

"I feel like Kovalev has a lot of emotions in this fight. He is letting a lot of stuff bother him. He has rage with this fight and that could be a big downfall when he steps in the ring," Barrios opined.

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