Mario Barrios will make the first defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Lightweight Championship against Ryan Karl on Saturday. Barrios’ first appearance as a champion of the pioneer organization will be special, as he will return to his hometown, San Antonio, Texas, at the Alamodome, to defend his title in the undercard of the great Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz fight.
Barrios comes from one of the most difficult fights of his career, but also the most important. The 25-year-old defeated the Uzbek Batyr Akhmedov by unanimous decision on September 28th, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to win the 140-pound belt.
In his first defense, the fighter nicknamed “The Aztec” will be at home against Karl, who will have his first title shot.
Karl is 28 years old and also a native of Texas. He comes into the fight with a three-victory winning streak, all by KO, and hasn’t lost since 2018.
Both fighters fulfilled the promotional activities this week and will be the main attraction of the undercard of this great event.
Barrios is undefeated in 25 fights, 16 won before the limit. For his part, Karl has 18 wins, 2 setbacks, and 12 KOs.
