Troublemaker Ryan Garcia has reportedly signed a fight contract for February 21. His opponent: Mario Barrios, WBC Welterweight World Champion.
Ryan Garcia had been quiet for a long time. In May, the troublemaker, who has attracted attention in the past mainly due to doping and psychological problems, lost a WBA title fight against Rolando Romero.
Mario Barrios instead of Conor Benn
Now Garcia claims that he has signed a contract for a fight against WBC world champion Mario Barrios on February 21. The 27-year-old Californian reacted to middleweight Conor Benn’s victory over Chris Eubank Jr. by challenging the Englishman. However, “KingRy” has now declared that his next fight will take place at welterweight against the reigning WBC champion. Barrios last defended his title against comebacker Manny Pacquiao by a narrow majority decision.
Ryan Garcia hasn’t won a fight since December 2023. Back then, he defeated Oscar Duarte Jurado. His subsequent victory over Devin Haney in April 2024 was annulled due to two positive tests for the banned substance ostarine. In May of the same year, the scandalous fighter returned and surprisingly lost to Rolando “Rolly” Romero.
“Yo – signed,” Garcia said in a video he posted on social media. “I’m gonna fight Mario Barrios on February 21st for the real WBC championship belt. Get ready because I’m coming. Let’s go!”
Text: Frank Schwantes