Claressa Shields Picks Ryan Garcia to Beat Mario Barrios for WBC Title

Shields believes Garcia has the edge over the current champion Barrios in their upcoming fight.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Claressa Shields has made a surprise prediction for the upcoming fight between Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship. Despite her dislike for Garcia, Shields believes he will become a world champion by defeating the current titleholder Barrios. Shields cited Barrios' recent lackluster performance against Manny Pacquiao as a key reason why the more athletic and skilled Garcia will be too much for him.

Why it matters

This prediction from Claressa Shields, one of the top female boxers in the world, adds intrigue to the highly anticipated Barrios vs. Garcia fight. Shields' analysis of the matchup provides valuable insight into how the fight may play out, and her pick of the underdog Garcia could sway public opinion ahead of the bout.

The details

Shields believes that while Barrios is a great fighter with good fundamentals, he lacks the extra gear needed to dominate fights. She feels he tends to fight conservatively, content to keep things close rather than pressing the action. In contrast, Shields sees the more athletic and skilled Garcia as having the tools to overwhelm Barrios and claim his first world title.

  • The Barrios vs. Garcia fight is taking place tonight (February 21, 2026) at the MGM Arena in Las Vegas.
  • Shields will also be fighting this weekend, facing Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight championship in Detroit.

The players

Claressa Shields

A highly accomplished female boxer known as the 'GWOAT' (Greatest Woman of All Time), Shields is making her own title defense this weekend against Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

Mario Barrios

The current WBC welterweight champion, Barrios is looking to defend his title against the up-and-coming Ryan Garcia.

Ryan Garcia

A rising star in the boxing world, Garcia is challenging Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship in a bid to win his first world title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't like Ryan Garcia at all, but I will say that I think that he will become champion against Mario Barrios. That's not a knock to Mario Barrios. It seems like when it gets time for Mario Barrios to go that extra mile, he doesn't do it.”

— Claressa Shields (DAZN)

“Pacquiao is great, but no way that old guy should have been able to get in there and do anything with Mario Barrios. He had a draw against him. Now we have Ryan Garcia, who is way more athletic.”

— Claressa Shields (DAZN)

What’s next

The Barrios vs. Garcia fight is taking place tonight (February 21, 2026) at the MGM Arena in Las Vegas, with the winner set to claim the WBC welterweight championship.

The takeaway

Claressa Shields' prediction that the underdog Ryan Garcia will defeat the reigning champion Mario Barrios adds an intriguing twist to the highly anticipated fight. Shields' analysis of Barrios' tendency to fight conservatively and Garcia's superior athleticism provides compelling insight into how the bout may play out, potentially swaying public opinion ahead of the showdown.