Ryan Garcia is set to seize a significant opportunity to claim his first world championship title as he steps into the ring against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This high-stakes match could be pivotal for both boxers, as they look to solidify their standings in the sport.
Garcia, a notable talent in boxing, began his career with an impressive 23-0 record before facing a setback against Gervonta “Tank” Davis, where he suffered a seventh-round knockout. Rising from this low, he delivered a standout performance against WBC junior welterweight champion Devin Haney, where he scored multiple knockdowns en route to securing a majority decision victory. However, Garcia’s journey has been marred by challenges, including a failure to make weight for that bout, which was further complicated by a temporary suspension following a failed drug test that led to his victory being changed to a no-contest.
In his most recent outing, Garcia faced off against Rolando Romero but delivered a lackluster performance, leading to a unanimous decision loss. Now, he considers his upcoming fight against Barrios a “do or die moment,” emphasizing the importance of making a strong comeback.
Meanwhile, Mario Barrios has faced his own ups and downs but currently holds the WBC title after a series of competitive fights, including a tough loss to Davis and a subsequent defeat by Keith Thurman. Barrios’s recent victory streak includes a run where he captured the WBC interim welterweight title, and he has successfully defended his championship against notable opponents, including controversial draws with Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao.
The event will also showcase an exciting undercard featuring rising stars in the 140-pound division. Among them is WBA junior welterweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell, who faces a challenging bout against Andy Hiraoka, and former title contender Frank Martin, who will square off against Nahir Albright, both seeking to reestablish their title aspirations.
Fight fans can tune in on Saturday night for an evening of thrilling boxing action, with the main event expected to start at 5:45 p.m. ET, available on DAZN PPV for $69.99. The bout promises not only to be a turning point for Garcia and Barrios but also a showcase of the talent and competitive spirit within the sport today.