Jason Burgos
All signs point to Ryan Garcia making his return to the ring at welterweight in 2026 and in a WBC title fight against Mario Barrios. A fight idea that one sweet science expert says shows how “absurd” boxing booking has become.
In April of last year, Garcia was still one of the most popular fighters in the sport. Despite a 2023 technical knockout loss to Gervonta Davis, he bounced back with a victory over Oscar Duarte Jurado, followed by an upset over pound-for-pound fighter Devin Haney. Then it all got turned upside down.
He tested positive for performance enhancers after his win over Haney. After being hit with a lengthy suspension, he was then on the wrong side of an upset loss to Rolly Romero in May. The veteran lightweight and super lightweight’s stock has dropped big time. Yet, that doesn’t seem to matter to the WBC.
Ryan Garcia record: 24-2 (20 KOs)
Earlier this week, Mike Coppinger of ESPN reported that a welterweight booking between champion Mario Barrios and Garcia for early next year is close. Then WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman cleared the path even further when he revealed the sanctioning body would lift the previous ban they had on Garcia.
On a money and interest level, the booking makes sense. But in terms of merit, one-time WBO junior welterweight champ Chris Algieri thinks the matchmaking shows the current absurdity of fight booking today.
In a new edition of his Inside Boxing podcast, the retired fighter pointed out that Garcia has never even won a fight at welterweight, is coming off a loss, as well as a drug suspension should all be things that would disqualify him from a championship opportunity. Yet, the WBC does not seem to mind.
“It’s absolutely absurd, what boxing allows,” Algieri said about the possibility of a Garcia vs. Barrios fight.
Barrios has gone to a draw in his last two outings, including in July against a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, and many thought the Filipino legend won that fight.
