Outside The Ring: Mario Barrios Helps Pandemic First Responders

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the US in March, it shut down many parts of the country. Jobs were lost, the economy tanked and sporting leagues, including boxing were placed on furlough.  

WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Mario Barrios was one of the boxers who had their schedule interrupted. 

“My camp was cut in the middle, so I was out here in San Antonio doing nothing,” Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) explained. 

With no fight on the horizon, “El Azteca,” as he’s called in the ring, found himself with some extra time. Barrios joined promotional company Davies Entertainment and a few of their boxers to feed first responders fighting on the front lines of the pandemic: doctors, nurses, police officers and fire fighters. 

“I felt super motivated to do it,” Barrios explained. “It wasn’t even a question—as soon as I found out about it, I wanted to jump on board. With everything being so down, what better way to give back to the people who were putting everything on the line?

“The way everything was unraveling, with the whole lockdown, there was a lot of panic and people didn’t know what was going on. But the first responders were still going out there every day and providing for people and really keeping the city going. I thought I might give back to the people that are risking so much.”

Barrios, his sister Selina, and the other fighters donned their masks and went out to give back to the first responders who were putting themselves at risk daily to fight the coronavirus pandemic in their community.

“We teamed up with Davies Entertainment here in San Antonio,” Barrios explained. “I was able to join them in taking the first responders breakfast. Black Rifle Coffee pitched in and donated all the coffee, and we had food catered from a couple different places.

“I got to talk to a lot of them—we all bonded a little bit. We were social distancing and everything, so no hugs, but they were very appreciative. It felt really good to be able to give back and do that for them. It was a great turnout and it was incredible to see the smiles on all the first responders’ faces.”

Barrios, 25, is no stranger to helping those in need. 

It’s something that’s been instilled in him – something he believes he must do in order to give back and make a difference outside the ring.  

“When something comes up, I’m going to jump at the opportunity.”

For a closer look at Mario Barrios, check out his fighter page. 

"Outside The Ring" is a regular feature centered on the charitable efforts of PBC fighters. Learn more about what motivates these boxers and the causes they support outside the ring.