Mark Barriga reacts to fans criticizing his style: 'Boxing is like chess'

Filipino Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga reacted to fan criticisms on the way he approaches his fights.

Barriga, 11-1 with 2 knockouts as a pro, is often lambasted for having a style that is supposedly similar to Floyd Mayweather Jr. He does not brawl, is very calculated, and likes to move around the ring to avoid getting hit.

"As a fighter, I just want to go in there and enjoy. Us Filipinos like to down those with a style similar to Mayweather or if you do not punch hard because fans want to see a brawl. That is what they are used to," Barriga said.

"But why would I force myself to that kind of style if it does not fit me? It is rather simple, why would I brawl if I can toy with my opponent? I can win that way and get out of the ring still handsome."

Barriga, 28, is slated to face WBO world light flyweight champion Jonathan Gonzalez on June 24 at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, USA.

Eager to showcase his talent to a worldwide audience, Barriga said that he does not plan to change his style moving forward.

"To me, boxing is like chess. It is scientific," Barriga said.

—MGP, GMA News