Ryan Garcia is set to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 21 February, marking a high-stakes clash in the welterweight division.

The 27-year-old Garcia, a former interim lightweight champion, has faced setbacks in recent years, including a loss to Rolando Romero in May and a one-year suspension in 2024 following a failed drugs test against Devin Haney. That fight was later ruled a no contest. Despite these challenges, Garcia remains confident about his title ambitions. “I will be world champion on February 21,” he declared.

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Barrios Confident Ahead of Garcia Bout

Mario Barrios, 30, who was upgraded from interim to full WBC champion in June 2024, has successfully defended his title twice, both via draws, including a memorable majority draw against 46-year-old legend Manny Pacquiao in July.

“This is my division, my time, and I’m ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here,” Barrios said. “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.”

Barrios holds an impressive professional record of 29 wins in 33 fights, with 18 knockouts, demonstrating his power and resilience at the top level of the welterweight division.

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Garcia’s Road Back to the Title

Garcia’s recent struggles have included missing weight in a scheduled WBC light-welterweight title fight against Haney in April 2024, making him ineligible to claim the belt. Despite these hurdles, he has achieved 20 knockouts in 24 career victories, proving his finishing ability in the ring.

This fight represents a critical opportunity for Garcia to reassert himself as a top contender in the welterweight ranks and potentially secure a shot at becoming a full world champion.

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Looking Ahead: Conor Benn Could Be Next

Following the Barrios-Garcia showdown, Britain’s Conor Benn, currently ranked number one in the WBC welterweight rankings, could be next in line to challenge the winner. Benn has already signalled his intentions: “I’ll be coming for that belt, and Britain will have a new world champion,” he posted on Instagram.

The bout promises to be a thrilling contest as two of America’s top welterweights collide in Las Vegas, with the division’s hierarchy and future title fights hanging in the balance.