WBA regular champ Mario Barrios - Why I'm picking Jose Ramirez to beat Josh Taylor

Super-lightweight Mario Barrios has a big fight of his own to prepare for but has still taken an interest in the undisputed clash at his weight this Saturday between Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez. Barrios holds the WBA ‘regular’ belt, which he defends versus fellow unbeaten Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis on June 26, but retains one eye on the very top of the division.

While the majority of fans and pundits appear to be picking the more versatile Taylor, Texas’ Barrios believes the indefatigable nature of his rival could prove pivotal.

“Both guys are at the top of their game and it’s going to be a close fight,” Barrios told us. “But I’m picking Ramirez to win by decision. I just think his relentlessness is going to overwhelm Taylor.”

Barrios is just 26 but has been matched pretty stiffly although Davis represents a step up on paper. Explosive ‘Tank’ is the same age and coming off a highlight-reel finish against Leo Santa Cruz, but the stocky Baltimore talent has never fought at 140lbs before. Barrios represents a very challenging debut at the weight.