Explosive change of coach: WBC champion Mario Barrios is now working with Joe Goossen, the former coach of Ryan Garcia.
WBC world champion Mario Barrios is setting a new course for the showdown against Ryan Garcia: the 29-year-old is parting ways with Bob Santos and bringing one of the most experienced trainers in US boxing, Joe Goossen, into his corner. Goossen, once Garcia’s own coach, is to lead Barrios to victory in February – a constellation with added explosiveness.
“This move makes perfect sense for my current phase,” explained Barrios. “Joe has been with me for a long time, he knows my style and knows exactly what I need. I want to achieve everything in this weight class – and he is the man who can complete the puzzle.” Goossen confirms that the collaboration began two weeks ago. “We harmonize great. The basics are in place, now we’re working on perfection – round by round.”
Garcia reacted promptly – and as loudly as usual. His message: “You’re being cooked – it’s over.” The verbal side blow comes as no surprise. Goossen once led Garcia to clear victories over Emmanuel Tagoe and Javier Fortuna before the partnership ended after the knockout against Gervonta Davis. Now the hall-of-famer is working to take Barrios to a new level.
Barrios is coming off a controversial Majority Draw against Manny Pacquiao, while Garcia most recently lost to Rolando Romero in May. Despite Garcia’s personal turmoil, Barrios sees the fight as more than just a must-win: “Ryan is explosive, dangerous and one of the biggest names in the sport. That’s why this fight makes sense to me. He has everything that makes for a spectacular evening.” On February 21, it will be clear whether Barrios’ change of trainer was the decisive weapon – or whether Garcia will turn his former coach’s return into a boomerang.
Text by Robin Josten