Social media sensation Ryan Garcia, who returned to the ring last spring after serving a one-year drug suspension, will get his first title shot when he takes on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Feb. 21 in Las Vegas.
The 27-year-old Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs, 1 no contest) held the WBC interim lightweight title in 2021 but has never been a world titleholder. In his first fight since his suspension, the Victorville, Calif., native was unimpressive in a losing decision to WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero in New York last May.
Despite that setback, Garcia remains as confident as ever.
“I will be world champion on Feb. 21,” Garcia said.
In April 2024, Garcia failed a drug test for the banned substance ostarine following a decision win over WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney. Garcia missed weight before the bout, was disqualified following the drug test, then was sued by Haney. The sides reached a tentative settlement early last year, and Haney dropped the lawsuit late last year.
Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) became interim WBC welterweight champion in 2023 and was elevated to full champion when Terence Crawford was stripped of the WBC crown in May 2024. Since then, Barrios, a 30-year-old San Antonio native, has settled for consecutive draws against Abel Ramos in November 2024 and 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao last July.
An interesting side note regarding the upcoming bout revolves around Hall of Fame trainer Joe Goossen, who now trains Barrios after serving in the role for Garcia for multiple fights, including his knockout loss in 2023 to Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
“Becoming WBC welterweight world champion was more than a moment — it was a promise to my family, my city, and everyone who believed in the grind when no one was watching,” Barrios said. “San Antonio built me, and every sacrifice I’ve made comes with me into that ring. This is my division, my time, and I’m ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here.”
–Field Level Media
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