Ryan Garcia set to face former Manny Pacquiao foe in world title fight

Ryan Garcia has landed a WBC welterweight title shot against Mario Barrios.

The pair will lock horns at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 21, with the full undercard to follow.

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Garcia revealed he had signed the bout in November, but Monday’s announcement confirms that the fight will headline a Ring Magazine card, live on DAZN PPV.

Barrios (29-2-2) was elevated from interim to full WBC champion in June 2024 and has since defended his belt twice via back-to-back contentious draws.

The first came against the unheralded Abel Ramos in November 2024, and the second against a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao in July.

“Becoming WBC welterweight world champion was more than a moment,” said Barrios.

“It was a promise to my family, my city, and everyone who believed in the grind when no one was watching.

“San Antonio built me, and every sacrifice I’ve made comes with me into that ring.

“This is my division, my time, and I’m ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here,” said Barrios.

Garcia (24-2) last fought in May when he was dropped and outpointed by Rolly Romero for the WBA ‘regular’ belt at New York’s Times Square.

It marked his first outing since serving a one-year doping suspension for the banned substance Ostarine.

Garcia is without a win since December 2023, when he blasted away Oscar Duarte in eight rounds.

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“I will be world champion on February 21,” added Garcia.

Winner to defend against Conor Benn

Whoever emerges victorious next month will be ordered to defend the green and gold strap against Conor Benn.

‘The Destroyer’ was boosted to the No.1 spot in the most recent 147lbs rankings and has been made mandatory for the world title.

“Just got the news I’ve been made No. 1 in the WBC rankings, mandatory for the WBC title,” Benn said in a post on social media.

“I’ll be watching Barrios vs. Garcia closely. I want the winner early next year. Q1, God willing, that WBC world title is mine.

“I’ll be coming for that belt, and Britain will have a new world champion. Let’s have it.”