Barrios Aims to End Draw Streak Against Garcia

San Antonio boxer Mario Barrios defends his WBC 147-pound title against Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Mario Barrios, the two-time welterweight champion from San Antonio, is coming off back-to-back draws and is desperate for a win as he defends his WBC 147-pound title against rising star Ryan Garcia on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Barrios, who has not won in 21 months, is looking to prove he is a champion by skill, heart and resilience, while Garcia is seeking a signature win to restore his reputation after facing legal and professional troubles.

Why it matters

Barrios is considered a 'paper champion' by some, having been elevated to full champion in 2023 not through a victory in the ring but after the WBC designated Terence Crawford as 'champion in recess'. A win over the popular Garcia would help Barrios silence the doubters and elevate him into a different conversation in the welterweight division.

The details

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) is coming off a controversial draw with then-46-year-old boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, a fight that only raised more questions about Barrios' ability. Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs), 27, is yet to register a signature win, with his victory over Devin Haney in 2024 ruled a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Both fighters are looking to make a statement, with Barrios hoping to use his experience in big fights and new trainer Joe Goossen's game plan to nullify Garcia's powerful left hook.

  • Barrios and Pacquiao fought to a majority draw on July 19, 2025.
  • Barrios and Abel Ramos fought to a split decision draw on November 15, 2024.

The players

Mario Barrios

A 30-year-old two-time welterweight champion from San Antonio, Texas, with a professional record of 29-2-2 and 18 knockouts. Barrios is the current WBC 147-pound champion, having been elevated to the title in 2023 after Terence Crawford was designated 'champion in recess'.

Ryan Garcia

A 27-year-old rising star in the welterweight division, with a professional record of 24-2 and 20 knockouts. Garcia is seeking a signature win to restore his reputation after facing legal and professional troubles, including an arrest in 2024 and a lawsuit in 2025 over a canceled fight.

Joe Goossen

Barrios' new trainer, who is tasked with developing a game plan to help Barrios nullify Garcia's powerful left hook and execute a more aggressive strategy than he used against Pacquiao.

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What they’re saying

“Beating a name like Ryan Garcia on a stage this big sends a message. It reminds everyone that I'm not just a champion by circumstance. I'm a champion by skill, heart and resilience. A win doesn't just silence doubt, it elevates me into a different conversation entirely.”

— Mario Barrios (expressnews.com)

“I'm hungry, I'm excited, and I'm ready to put on a show. Right now, I'm super locked in and you're going to see the best version of myself that you've ever seen.”

— Ryan Garcia (expressnews.com)

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 fight between Barrios and Garcia is a crossroads moment for both boxers, as they look to prove their worth and establish themselves as elite welterweights. Barrios is fighting to silence the doubters and cement his status as a true champion, while Garcia is seeking a signature win to restore his reputation and take the next step in his career.