“You got to keep that damn hand up,” Herring told Fight Hub TV. “If you take away Ryan’s best tool, you can make it a long night for Ryan.”
Herring explained that the key is controlling distance and forcing Garcia to fight outside his preferred range, where his left hook becomes harder to land with full effect.
Taking away Garcia’s best weapon
Herring said the blueprint has already been demonstrated. He pointed to Rolando “Rolly” Romero’s win over Garcia as proof that neutralizing the left hook can disrupt Garcia’s offense.
“Rolly had a game plan to nullify that left hook,” Herring said. “He nullified Ryan’s speed, and Ryan didn’t have much to work with.”
Barrios enters the fight with physical advantages that could allow him to apply that same approach. His height and reach give him the ability to manage distance, forcing Garcia to close space before he can land his most effective punch.
“If you nullify and keep the space in between, Mario can make it an easier fight than what people expect,” Herring said. “Make Ryan try to close the gap and come to you. But when he comes to you, you got to meet him with something.”
Barrios has already shown he can execute parts of that strategy. Herring noted Barrios controlled the range early against Gervonta Davis, demonstrating he has the ability to manage distance even against elite punchers.
Herring also said Garcia may face an adjustment fighting someone of Barrios’s size, as Garcia is often the taller fighter against his opponents.
“Ryan Garcia is usually the one that’s used to being the taller, longer guy,” Herring said. “This time it’s different. He has to close the distance.”
Garcia’s left hook remains one of the most dangerous punches in boxing, capable of ending fights instantly. But Herring believes its effectiveness depends on Garcia being able to create the right range and timing.
Barrios’s ability to keep distance, maintain a disciplined guard, and force Garcia to work harder for openings could determine whether Garcia is able to control the fight or is pushed into unfamiliar territory.
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