Despite not having done anything in the ring to deserve it, Ryan Garcia’s appears on the verge of securing a shot at  WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios early next year. 

Boxing insider Dan Rafael of his "Fight Freaks Unite Substack" reported off the weekend that Garcia's promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), which represents Barrios are nearing agreement for Barrios to defend his portion of the 147 lb. crown in Las Vegas on a joint pay-per-view event between DAZN—Golden Boy’s exclusive broadcast partner—and Prime Video, which hosts PBC’s major cards.

According to Rafael, discussions have been ongoing for several weeks, and while an agreement is nearly complete, sources indicate that “a few details” still need to be resolved. One key element is securing approval from the WBC to sanction the fight. The Barrios-Garcia proposed fight was first reported by The Ring magazine.

Hear Dan and me discussing the proposed Barrios defense against Garcia off our podcast here:

Joshua Buatsi Controversial Win, Latest on Jake Paul-Tank Davis Bout Unravelling And More! | Fight Freaks Unite Recap Off of a weekend that hsd controversial action in England, up and coming fighters in Orlando, FL and more we are back on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs), 27, of Los Angeles, remains one of boxing’s most recognizable names, but his recent record has been turbulent. He’s gone 1-2 with one no contest over his last four bouts and is currently unranked by the WBC at welterweight. Garcia officially moved up to the division earlier this year but suffered a shocking and disappointing unanimous decision loss to underdog Rolando Romero on May 2 in New York’s Times Square. Garcia was knocked down in the second round of that fight and later described his performance as “horrible” before undergoing right-hand surgery three weeks later.

The setback came on the heels of controversy surrounding his previous bout. His decision win over Devin Haney in April 2024 was overturned to a no contest after Garcia failed to make weight and twice tested positive for the PED, Ostarine. As a result, Garcia was suspended for one year by the New York State Athletic Commission and forfeited his $1.1 million purse.

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), 30, from San Antonio, has also faced recent challenges. He’s coming off consecutive draws—first against Abel Ramos in November on the Jake Paul–Mike Tyson undercard, That night Ramos clearly hurt Barrios late in the fight and many believed Ramos deserved the upset decision.  Then, in the biggest payday of Barrios' career there was another disputed majority draw with returning legend Manny Pacquiao in July. Pacquiao, 46, came out of a three year retirement and seemed to be the busier, fresher fighter down the stretch.

Barrios must also address his mandatory challenger, undefeated contender Souleymane Cissokho (18-0, 9 KOs), who earned his position with a May victory over Egidijus "Mean Machine" Kavaliauskas. That would likely mean a "step aside" fee for Cissakho.

Both Garcia and Barrios share a common opponent in Gervonta "Tank" Davis, who stopped each fighter—Barrios in 2021 and Garcia in 2023. If finalized, their 2026 clash could be a pivotal fight for both, as Garcia has never held a world title and Barrios has yet to defeat one of boxing's biggest names.