Claressa Shields Picks Ryan Garcia to Defeat Mario Barrios for WBC Welterweight Title

Shields believes Garcia's athleticism and quick punches will be too much for the current champion Barrios.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Claressa Shields, the undisputed women's middleweight champion, has made a surprise pick for the upcoming fight between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia. Despite her dislike for Garcia, Shields believes he will defeat Barrios to claim his first world championship. Shields cited Barrios' recent draw with the aging Manny Pacquiao as a sign that Garcia's athleticism and quick punches will be too much for the current WBC welterweight champion.

Why it matters

This fight represents a major opportunity for rising star Ryan Garcia to capture his first world title, while defending champion Mario Barrios looks to solidify his status as an elite welterweight. Shields' prediction, coming from one of the sport's top stars, adds intrigue and analysis to the highly anticipated matchup.

The details

Garcia and Barrios will square off tonight at the MGM Arena in Las Vegas for the WBC welterweight championship. Barrios is the defending champion, but many, including Shields, feel he has shown vulnerabilities in his recent fights. Shields believes Garcia's superior athleticism and fast-paced offense will be too much for Barrios to handle, allowing the 'Flash' to claim his first world title.

  • The Barrios vs. Garcia fight is taking place tonight in Las Vegas.

The players

Ryan Garcia

A rising star in the welterweight division, Garcia is looking to capture his first world championship tonight against defending champion Mario Barrios.

Mario Barrios

The current WBC welterweight champion, Barrios will be looking to defend his title against the challenge of the hard-hitting Ryan Garcia.

Claressa Shields

The undisputed women's middleweight champion, Shields has made a surprise pick for the Barrios vs. Garcia fight, believing Garcia will emerge victorious.

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, Undisputed Women's Middleweight Champion (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, Undisputed Women's Middleweight Champion (DAZN)

What’s next

The winner of the Barrios vs. Garcia fight will likely be in line for a high-profile matchup against one of the other top welterweights in the division.

The takeaway

Claressa Shields' surprise pick of Ryan Garcia to defeat the defending champion Mario Barrios adds intrigue to this highly anticipated welterweight title fight. Garcia's superior athleticism and fast-paced offense could prove to be too much for Barrios, who has shown vulnerabilities in his recent bouts.