In a stunning display of speed and power, Ryan Garcia captured the WBC welterweight title by dominating Mario Barrios over 12 rounds on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The victory, which came via unanimous decision with scores of 119-109, 118-110, and 118-110, marked Garcia's first major world championship and silenced doubters who had questioned his commitment following a turbulent stretch in his career.
García, 26, entered the bout as a heavy favorite but with much at stake in what many described as a crossroads fight. A win would validate his immense talent and open doors to high-profile matchups, while a loss could have cemented his legacy as one of boxing's great underachievers. Instead, García pitched what was nearly a shutout, flooring Barrios twice in the first round with overhand rights and maintaining control throughout with his signature left hook and pinpoint accuracy.
"Crossroads fight" is one of the most overused terms in boxing, but in the case of Ryan Garcia, it was more than appropriate," according to an ESPN report on the event. García's performance showcased a complete skill set, leaving Barrios, the defending champion, unable to keep pace with the challenger's blistering combinations.
Post-fight, García reflected on his journey during the news conference, drawing a sharp contrast to the past two years marred by personal and professional setbacks. "I feel so grounded and peaceful," García said. "I don't even think I've come close to hitting my ceiling of potential yet. I think this is going to go even crazier and I'm going to be even better than what I showed today."
García's path to this triumph has been anything but straightforward. He suffered a seventh-round knockout loss to Gervonta "Tank" Davis in April 2023, followed by a majority decision defeat to Rolando "Rolly" Romero in March 2024. Additionally, his April 2024 bout against Devin Haney ended in a no-contest after García tested positive for the banned substance ostarine, leading to the overturning of what had been scored as a majority decision victory for him.
These incidents, combined with off-ring issues including mental health struggles and social media controversies, had many in the boxing world wondering if García's desire matched his exceptional talent. Yet, Saturday's fight suggested a fighter fully stepping into his potential, ready to test himself against the division's elite.
Immediately after the bell, García made his intentions clear, calling out former amateur rival Shakur Stevenson in the ring. "You know who I want? He's right there. So, Shakur Stevenson, let's go," García declared. "Hey, I want to be a great champion, and I'm not scared of s---. I fought Devin Haney. I'll fight Shakur Stevenson. I'll fight anybody."
The bad blood dates back to 2013, when Stevenson defeated García in the amateurs. Stevenson, who recently won the WBO junior welterweight title by dominating Teofimo Lopez Jr. in September 2024, welcomed the challenge during the DAZN post-fight show. "He wants to fight me, and I want to fight him, so it should be easy to get done," Stevenson said. "I'm going to make easy work out of him."
García echoed his eagerness for the rematch, noting a lingering grudge. "I still got that chip on my shoulder," he said. "I've been wanting that rematch for a minute. Hopefully we get it." With García now a welterweight champion and Stevenson ascending in the ranks, a clash between the two could become one of boxing's biggest attractions, blending stylistic contrasts with personal history.
Another potential blockbuster looms in the form of a rematch with Devin Haney, the WBO welterweight champion. Their first encounter in April 2024 was fraught with drama, ending in controversy due to García's failed drug test. Now, with both holding belts, a unification bout carries even higher stakes. García dismissed Haney's interest, saying, "Devin doesn't want that. He's terrified."
Haney has not publicly responded to the latest provocation, but sources close to the fighter indicate ongoing negotiations for high-profile fights. The original bout drew significant pay-per-view numbers, reportedly exceeding 1.5 million buys, underscoring the commercial appeal of a sequel.
Beyond Stevenson and Haney, other contenders are circling. Conor Benn, who recently signed with Zuffa Boxing after leaving Matchroom, posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the fight: "Congratulations champ. See you later this year. Make sure you keep my belt warm." Benn, undefeated in 23 professional bouts, has expressed interest in a welterweight debut that could position him for a shot at García or another titleholder.
Rolando Romero, whom García previously defeated, has also voiced interest in a rematch, though details remain sparse. According to boxing insiders, García's promotional team at Golden Boy Promotions is fielding multiple offers, with first title defenses potentially slated for early 2025 in Las Vegas or New York.
The welterweight division, already one of boxing's most stacked weight classes, now feels even more electric with García's ascension. Fighters like Terence Crawford, who holds the WBA and WBO titles at 154 pounds but has history at welterweight, could enter the fray, though no direct challenges have been issued yet. García's win elevates him from a social media sensation with over 10 million Instagram followers to a respected champion, blending fame, fortune, and now hardware.
For Barrios, the loss ends a solid reign that began with his capture of the WBC title in December 2021 against Batyr Akhmedov. The 29-year-old Mexican-American, who improved to 29-2 with the defeat, praised García's abilities in the post-fight interview but expressed confidence in a comeback. "He was faster than I expected, but I'll be back stronger," Barrios said.
As García prepares for his next move, the boxing landscape benefits from his return to form. Years ago, he was dubbed one of the sport's "new four kings" alongside figures like Davis and Haney, but without a crown. Now, as a titleholder, the stakes are undeniably higher, promising matchups that could redefine divisions and draw new fans to the sport.
Promoters and networks are already buzzing about possibilities. DAZN, which broadcast the Barrios fight, reported record viewership numbers, and executives hint at multi-fight deals to capitalize on García's momentum. Whether it's Stevenson, Haney, or another foe, García's era as champion appears poised to deliver the drama and excitement that has long been anticipated from the Victorville, California native.