Ryan Garcia Claims WBC Welterweight Championship
On Saturday, February 22, 2026, Ryan Garcia emerged victorious in a significant bout, claiming the WBC welterweight championship after decisively defeating Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. The 28-year-old fighter, already a prominent name within the sport, showcased his skills with a dominant performance, consistently landing punches throughout the match.
Fight Highlights
Garcia established control early on, knocking Barrios down in the first round with a powerful strike that set the stage for a one-sided encounter. Over the duration of the fight, Garcia outstruck Barrios significantly, landing 185 total punches to Barrios’ 106; notably, his power punches reflected an even wider margin at 103 to 43. This victory marks Garcia’s first official win since early 2023.
Future Aspirations
In the aftermath of the fight, Garcia expressed a strong desire to face WBO super lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, a challenge that Stevenson appeared eager to accept during the DAZN pay-per-view broadcast. Garcia’s recent history in the boxing arena has been tumultuous; he faced a one-year suspension following a controversial no-contest ruling against Devin Haney due to a positive test for ostarine, and he suffered a disappointing defeat against Roland “Rolly” Romero in May.
Reactions from the Boxing Community
Garcia’s championship win sparked reactions from fellow boxers, many of whom expressed their views online. Notable figures like Devin Haney and Claressa Shields commented on the fight, with Haney poking fun at Garcia’s past, while Shields praised his performance, noting his speed and tactical adjustments.
Looking Ahead
This title win not only reinstates Garcia’s status in the ring but also reignites discussions about his potential future matchups, particularly against top-tier opponents like Stevenson, indicating exciting times ahead in the welterweight division.
