Ryan Garcia Wins Title, Paving Way for Crucial Rematch

Garcia's dominant performance over Barrios sets up potential fight with Devin Haney

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In a career-defining performance, Ryan Garcia masterfully outboxed Mario Barrios to win his first major world championship. Garcia, known for his powerful left hook, repeatedly clipped Barrios with the right hand, including a shot that put Barrios down in the first round. Garcia landed a career-best 82 jabs and 103 power shots to secure the decision victory.

Why it matters

Garcia's return to the top level has immediately triggered a rush of opponents eager to face him, including a potential rematch with Devin Haney. In 2024, Garcia defeated Haney by majority decision, but the result was overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance. The controversy from the first fight coupled with the bad blood between the two makes a potential rematch one of the top fights that can be made in boxing.

The details

Garcia called out Shakur Stevenson, who was ringside, and there will be discussions about making a fight between the two. Stevenson has insisted the fight be at a 144-pound catchweight. However, the bigger fight is the rematch between Garcia and Haney. Haney rebounded last November by winning a welterweight title, and while he has insisted he is not interested in the rematch, the controversy from the first fight makes it a potentially huge bout.

  • In 2024, Garcia defeated Haney by majority decision.
  • The decision was overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance.
  • Haney won a welterweight title in November 2025.

The players

Ryan Garcia

An American professional boxer who won his first major world championship with a dominant performance over Mario Barrios.

Devin Haney

An American professional boxer who previously lost to Garcia by majority decision in 2024, a result that was overturned to a no-contest.

Shakur Stevenson

An American professional boxer who was ringside for Garcia's win and has discussed a potential fight with Garcia at a 144-pound catchweight.

Mario Barrios

A Mexican-American professional boxer who was defeated by Garcia in their title fight.

Henry Garcia

Ryan Garcia's father and trainer, who put together a terrific game plan that included a heavy dose of the right hand.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.