It's official- Mario Barrios will defend the WBC welterweight crown against Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas in February.
On Monday, one of the intriguing fights for the first part of 2026 was made official, as WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios will defend his title against explosive fan favorite Ryan Garcia on February 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, made the fight official through his "Ring" Series of battles. This one will be titled "The Ring: High Stakes," will be streamed live worldwide exclusively on DAZN, bringing together the Texan Barrios and the Californian Garcia in a compelling world welterweight title.
Barrios, 29-2-2, 18 KOs, enters the bout off a controversial majority draw against former eight division world champion and hall of famer Manny Pacquiao in July 2025, Barrios captured the WBC welterweight strap in September 2023 and has had back to back tough battles. He met Abel Ramos on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard in November 2024. And, he was fortunate to get a hard-fought split draw in a bout that many thought Ramos had won, including staggering Barrios late in the fight.
Before ascending to welterweight, Barrios enjoyed championship success at junior welterweight, where he claimed the WBA world title in 2019. Barrios was stopped in his biggest bout at that time on a TKO by Gervonta "Tank" Davis in June 2021. His journey through multiple weight classes has showcased his adaptability, ring intelligence, and relentless determination.
Meanwhile for Garcia, 27-1, 19 KOs, he will be making his first attempt at a world title at welterweight. A former WBC interim lightweight world champ, Garcia brings speed, athleticism, and explosive knockout power that has made him one of boxing’s most recognizable stars.
Garcia was also stopped by Davis for his only official career loss in April 2023. He controversially defeated Devin Haney in a junior welterweight fight by decision in April of 2024, but this came after he missed weight badly and then was found to have a PED in his pre and post fight drug tests. The New York Athletic Commission wiped his win out to a no-contest.
Still, with 19 knockouts on his professional record and experience against several top-ranked opponents, Garcia now looks to get a massive fight win, legitimately.
Both fighters possess elite speed and fight-changing power, setting the stage for an electrifying 12-round clash with championship stakes at the highest level. For Barrios, it is about defending his throne and continuing his reign; for Garcia, it is an opportunity to fulfill a long-standing ambition and claim his place among boxing’s elite.
In the press release, Barrios had more to say about the match up,
“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. 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.”
Garcia was brief and said: “I will be World Champion on February 21st."