Ryan Garcia will get a shot at the WBC welterweight title after all.
After months of rumors and speculation, Garcia finally confirmed his upcoming fight will be against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
The controversial 27-year-old confirmed the fight will take place on February 21, 2026, on Instagram.
“My next fight announcement; here goes the contract, right here like I promised you guys,” Garcia said.
“Boom, here I go. Signed. I am going to be fighting for the real WBC championship belt against Mario Barrios. February 21st. Get ready, ’cause I’m coming.”
“Just wait and see the MAGIC,” Garcia wrote in the caption.
“MARIO BARRIOS I’M COMING FOR YOU”
Garcia announced the opponent and date, but he did not release the event venue.
Although Garcia confirmed the fight, neither Golden Boy Promotions nor Premier Boxing Champions—the fighters’ respective promoters—has made an official announcement.
Garcia’s announcement comes within days of his social media back-and-forth with Conor Benn, who called him out after his win over Chris Eubank Jr.
‘King Ry’ willingly accepted a fight with Benn, making the Englishman the top candidate for his first title defense, should he beat Barrios.
Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia Backlash
The matchup has been expected for a while, but most have been critical of it.
Many fans and pundits are particularly upset with Garcia getting the opportunity despite being 1-2 with one no-contest in his last four fights.
Garcia is coming off a loss to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero for the vacant WBA welterweight title in his 147-pound debut.
The fight marked his return from a one-year suspension, which he received for a positive PED test after his April 2024 fight with Devin Haney.
Despite the suspension and Garcia’s ensuing legal issues, fans were still high on him, allowing him to close as a 7-1 favorite over Romero.
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Many expected ‘King Ry’ to look improved in his return, but he instead landed just 66 punches across 12 rounds, according to Compubox.
He hit the canvas for the fourth time in his last seven fights.
However, while Garcia’s career has seemingly reached a low point, so has that of Barrios.
The 30-year-old titleholder is coming off consecutive draws with Manny Pacquiao and Abel Ramos and has not won a fight since May 2024.
Barrios closed as a significant betting favorite against Pacquiao and Ramos, but he struggled in both fights.
Fans ridiculed him for his low output in both performances, and he also suffered a surprise knockdown against Ramos.
The February 21 date puts the fight early in 2026, giving both fighters time to prepare.
Garcia will be moving up from his recent loss at welterweight to challenge for the WBC title at 147 pounds.
Barrios will be defending his championship after two controversial draws that many felt he should have lost.
The fight represents a chance for both men to prove their critics wrong and revive their careers.
For Garcia, a win would silence doubters who question whether he deserves a title shot given his recent record.
For Barrios, a convincing victory would prove he’s a legitimate champion despite the criticism of his recent performances.
Boxing fans remain divided on whether this matchup makes sense given both fighters’ recent struggles.
Some argue Garcia hasn’t earned a title shot after losing to Romero and dealing with PED issues.
Others point out that Barrios’ recent draws and lack of wins make him vulnerable to an upset.
The fight announcement sparked immediate debate on social media about the state of modern boxing matchmaking.
Critics argue that Garcia’s name value and drawing power earned him the opportunity rather than his performance in the ring.
Supporters counter that boxing has always been about giving fans the fights they want to see, regardless of traditional rankings.
Garcia’s hand injury required surgery earlier this year, which delayed potential fights including a rumored Romero rematch.
He appears to be fully recovered and ready to compete for a world title in his return.
The venue announcement is expected soon as promoters finalize details for the February showdown.
Whether this fight happens in Las Vegas, Texas, or another major boxing city remains to be seen.
Garcia’s popularity ensures strong ticket sales and pay-per-view numbers regardless of the criticism surrounding the matchup.
Barrios needs a statement performance to prove he belongs among the welterweight division’s elite.
The WBC welterweight title fight between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia is officially scheduled for February 21, 2026.
