The Flash, 27, challenges El Azteca, 30, for the WBC belt on February 21 in Los Angeles, with the bout marking his first opportunity to become a recognised world champion at welterweight.
At the press conference for the bout, Garcia said: “How could you, Joe? That’s messed up. I just can’t believe you’re doing this to me. That’s insane. You hurt my heart.”
The pair worked together for three fights before splitting in 2023 following Garcia’s stoppage loss to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, 31.
Their reunion of sorts at the launch press conference was tense, with Goossen, 72, wearing a tongue-in-cheek T-shirt reading “I’m a traitor” before Garcia theatrically threw it towards him on stage.
Garcia continued: “It’s over. We’re done. I’m breaking up with you again. You just broke my heart. Just move on. You were being sweet but I’m offended. It’s too late. I’m offended already.”
Garcia insisted the move has only fuelled his motivation, referencing the difficult period following his Davis defeat.
He said: “It hurt me when he didn’t show up after my loss to Tank. That was a pretty big defeat in my heart. I’m a little disappointed in Joe’s decision to go against me, but that fires me up.”
Goossen, however, was quick to play down the drama and dismissed suggestions his inside knowledge of Garcia would swing the fight.
The Flash has since returned to a family-led setup, with his father Henry Garcia back in the corner after a brief spell working with Derrick James.
The Barrios fight represents a crucial moment in Garcia's career following an uneven run of form and growing scrutiny over his discipline and consistency at elite level.
The bout also has wider implications at welterweight.
Conor Benn, 29, is the WBC mandatory challenger and is watching closely, though his trainer Tony Sims has questioned whether a Benn–Garcia fight could happen quickly due to turnaround times.
Sims admitted that February’s date may come too soon for an April return, suggesting the situation remains fluid.
Barrios, meanwhile, enters as a steady champion who rebuilt his career after losses at super-lightweight and has leaned on Goossen’s experience to prepare for Garcia’s speed and explosiveness.
