By Rick Reeno
There is a good reason why lightweight contender Jorge Barrios (47-4-1, 34 KOs) is being tagged with the nickname of "Ricardo Mayorga Lite." During Monday's press conference to announce Golden Boy's April 4 pay-per-view, called Lightweight Lightning," Barrios was his usual wild self and took part in a war of words with undefeated Edwin Valero (24-0, 24KOs).
In the manner that Barrios confronted Valero, you would think the two of them were fighting on the card. Not so. Barrios faces Carlos Hernandez on the undercard, while Valero is the main event with Antonio Pitalua. The confrontation started when Valero was on the podium addressing the media. Valero began talking about how half the fighters on the card would not make it [not naming anyone in particular] and Barrios took offense.
According to several witnesses to the confrontation, Valero's comment about "taking over the division" is probably what set Barrios off. He would quickly begin a verbal assault, and Valero tried his best to ignore it. Barrios continued to press the issue and it didn't take long before the two of them were trading insults in a face to face manner. Others would quickly jump in before the situation could turn physical.
The stage for Valero's next fight was possibly set. Provided that Valero and Barrios are able to win their respective bouts, don't be surprised if the two of them were fighting each other in the near future.
When contacted for comment, Barrios would tell BoxingScene.com that Valero would indeed be his next target……well not exactly in those words.
"Valero is a long-haired prostitute and a communist. After I finish with Famoso, I will beat the sh*t out of Valero. Then I will cut his hair and make him into a man," Barrios said.