SAN ANTONIO – The last few weeks have been busy for the San Antonio boxing world.
First, the Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Juan Francisco Estrada title fight was finalized for this summer. Then, Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda won his second straight fight on April 6 and took home the IBA Welterweight title.
Now, Mario Barrios has his own news to share.
It was announced this week that Barrios (28-2, 18 KOs) will face Argentina’s Fabian Andres Maidana (22-2, 16 KOs) on May 4th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Barrios vs. Maidana fight will be the co-main event leading into the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia bout. This is the second straight time Barrios has been the co-main event leading into a Canelo title fight.
The fighters to be featured on the undercard met with the media via a virtual press conference Thursday afternoon.
“It’s huge, I’m just very grateful,” said Barrios. “The last fight was the first time I had been on a Canelo undercard. That was an unreal experience. Now, I have this opportunity, being the co-main on Cinco de Mayo weekend. It’s hard for me to put it into words. I’m grateful, I’m motivated, I’m focused on getting ready for May 4th.”
This will Barrios’ first fight in 2024 and the first time he fights on Cinco de Mayo weekend. Barrios’ last fight came on September 30th when he defeated Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision to win the WBC Interim World Welterweight title. Barrios will defend his title against Fabian Maidana, the younger brother of legendary fighter Marcos Maidana, who once fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. twice back in 2014.
Barrios believes Maidana will bring the same type of excitement as his older brother was known for.
”If not the same intensity, that same focus, that same drive,” explained Barrios. “I know he’s not taking this fight lightly, I know he’s going to come with everything. That speaks a lot on him, the type of fighter that he is, I respect that. Shoutout to him for taking this fight, for stepping up. I’m expecting another hard fight, I’m preparing myself for a brutal 12 rounds, regardless of how the fight goes. I’m excited.”
Barrios has fought five times in the last four years including back-to-back PPV main event fights against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman. Barrios ended the virtual press conference talking about his new motivation inside the ring - Barrios recently revealed on social media that he is expecting to become a father later this year.
“I’m excited, I’m very motivated - it’s more than just me,” said Barrios. “I’m getting ready to have a daughter, have a family. It’s a different kind of motivation. I’m excited to go out there, Cinco de Mayo weekend. It’s a big weekend for our Mexican people, our gente, and I’m looking forward to giving everybody another great show.”
The upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia title fight and undercard will appear on both DAZN and Prime Video PPV as well as traditional cable and satellite options. The price for the event has yet to be announced.
Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) will be defending his IFB, WBA, WBC and WBO Super Middleweight championship belts against fellow Mexican boxer Munguia, who is 43-0 with 34 KOs.
Daniel P. Villanueva has worked with KSAT 12 for over 20 years and is an award-winning producer. To submit story ideas, email dvillanueva@ksat.com