Mario Barrios drops Ryan Karl twice to win by KO in 6 (video)

Mario Barrios retained his WBA “regular” junior welterweight title by dropping Ryan Karl twice in round 6 in a KO victory. 

Mario Barrios and Ryan Karl were friends headed into their Oct. 31 title fight, but they fought fiercely in a battle that Barrios won via knockout.

Barrios and Karl grew up in the same area in Texas and came up through the amateur ranks together, but their professional roads led to a matchup in the ring. Karl was the underdog, but he had a strong showing despite losing by KO.

Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) won the WBA “regular” junior welterweight title in September of 2019 with a controversial unanimous decision win over Batyr Akhmedov. There was nothing controversial about Barrios’ win over Karl.

Friends Mario Barrios and Ryan Karl turned into opponents in an entertaining bout that saw Barrios winning by KO

Barrios and Karl went back and forth through five rounds. Barrios got the better of the action, but Karl was a game fighter. Things fell apart for Karl in round 6.

Barrios caught Karl with a right cross that sent him to the canvas. Karl (18-3, 12 KOs) got up but was hurt. Still, he continued to fight with heart, but a clash of heads opened up a nasty cut between Karl’s eyes. The doctor took a look at Karl and allowed him to continue.

Blood filled Karl’s face, and Barrios grew more aggressive. Little by little, Karl began to fade. He looked weary, and he fell right into a Barrios left hook that planted him to the floor for the second time. There was no getting up as Barrios won by KO in round 6.

Barrios is 25 years old and shows a lot of potential. He’s quickly gaining valuable experience and could be a major player in the junior welterweight division if he keeps his winning ways.