Former WBA "regular" junior welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios is hoping to make his welterweight debut in the biggest way possible, with a dramatic win over former unified 147-pound champion Keith 'One Time' Thurman.

The two fighters, both coming back from defeats, will collide in the main event of a FOX Sports Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Barrios, 26-years-old, has been out of the ring since June, when he tasted the first defeat of his career by way of an eleventh round TKO at the hands of Gervonta Davis.

The 5-foot-10 Barrios, who is trained veteran coach Virgil Hunter, will have a three-inch height advantage in the bout.

Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs), 33 and at one time regarded as one of the best welterweight fighters in the sport, is returning from a very long layoff.

The former champ has been out of the ring since July of 2019, when he suffered his first career loss. Thurman dropped a twelve round split decision to the recently retired Manny Pacquiao.

While Thurman has the clear edge in experience, Barrios is planning to see what the dangerous veteran has left by taking the fight to him in the early going.

“I’m excited to be making my welterweight debut against a great fighter and former world champion like Keith Thurman,” said Barrios.

“A lot of fighters wouldn’t take this fight, but that’s why I wanted it. Both of us like to throw a lot of bombs and I believe this will be an all-out war. The fans know I’m a warrior and that I don’t back down from any challenge, that’s why everyone should order this fight. ‘El Azteca’ is going to make a statement on February 5.”