Ryan Garcia faces 'do or die' title fight against Mario Barrios

Garcia looks to bounce back from uninspired loss and suspension as he challenges for Barrios' WBC title

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ryan Garcia, one of boxing's most exciting and enigmatic stars, is set to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC title on Saturday in Las Vegas. Garcia is coming off a loss to Rolando Romero and a one-year suspension for a failed drug test, raising questions about his focus and consistency. Barrios, the defending champion, believes he can exploit Garcia's weaknesses, but Garcia is confident he'll deliver a 'classic' performance and set his sights on a future showdown with Shakur Stevenson.

Why it matters

This fight represents a critical moment in Garcia's career, as he looks to bounce back from recent setbacks and prove he can be a dominant champion. A win would solidify Garcia's status as one of the sport's top draws, while a loss could severely damage his future options and reputation.

The details

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) is challenging Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) for the WBC title despite never having won a fight at 147 pounds. Garcia is coming off a loss to Rolando Romero and a one-year suspension for a failed drug test, which led to a public spiral including mental health issues and racist social media rants. Barrios, a 30-year-old from San Antonio, has had uneven performances in his title defenses, including two frustrating draws.

  • Garcia lost to Rolando Romero on May 2, 2025.
  • Garcia's one-year suspension for a failed drug test ended in April 2024, with his win over Devin Haney later overturned to a no contest.
  • Barrios won the WBC interim title in 2023 by retiring Yordenis Ugas, and has made two title defenses that ended in draws, including against Manny Pacquiao last July.

The players

Ryan Garcia

A 27-year-old boxer with a massive social media following, Garcia is looking to bounce back from a loss and suspension as he challenges for Barrios' WBC title.

Mario Barrios

The 30-year-old San Antonio native is the defending WBC champion, having won the interim title in 2023 and made two title defenses that ended in draws.

Rolando Romero

The WBA welterweight titleholder, who defeated Garcia in their fight in May 2025.

Shakur Stevenson

The 28-year-old boxer, who recently won a title in a fourth weight division by defeating Teofimo Lopez, is a potential future opponent for Garcia.

Henry Garcia

Ryan Garcia's father, who will be in his corner for this fight.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When I'm at the top of my game, I don't think anyone can really mess with me.”

— Ryan Garcia (CBS Sports)

“It's hard to say, really, where exactly he is at. I just have to prepare as if I have a focused Ryan in front of me, as they are saying. Everything else is kind of just background noise.”

— Mario Barrios (CBS Sports)

“[Stevenson] controlled range really well and picked his shots. We give him credit for that but there was really nothing special for me that really catches my eye. He didn't really throw his left hand, he didn't finish [Lopez] off. You had a hurt little animal there that you could've just [finished] anytime you wanted but he played it safe every step of the way.”

— Ryan Garcia (CBS Sports)

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.