Boxing News
Ryan Garcia ‘closing in’ on early 2026 world title shot
Ryan Garcia ‘closing in’ on early 2026 world title shot
As per Mike Coppinger of The Ring, Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios are closing in on a deal to fight for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title, with sources telling The Ring the bout is being targeted for the first quarter of 2026, as members of Golden Boy and PBC exchange contracts.
Ryan Garcia closing in on early 2026 world title shot against Mario Barrios
Garcia recently revealed he was interested in facing Barrios for his title. Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) was last seen in action against Manny Pacquiao, with the bout ending in a draw, ensuring “El Azteca” held onto his title.
Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs), despite his obvious talent, has never won a world title, with his troubles inside and outside the ring much publicised.
Recently, Chris Mannix reported that Ryan Garcia had been contacted about potentially facing Jake Paul if the bout with Gervonta Davis is cancelled following Tank’s recent troubles.
Garcia is coming off a shock defeat to Rolly Romero on the May 2 Times Square card.
Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has shut down any potential fight between Garcia and Paul, with both fighting on different platforms.
Oscar De La Hoya and Ryan Garcia
Oscar De La Hoya recently appeared on the The Ariel Helwani Show and discussed his relationship with Ryan Garcia:
“I think Ryan needs to wake up.”
“I understand the whole mental health, it’s a serious, you know, it’s a serious thing. It really is. I know people who really are mentally ill, but there’s a line. There’s a fine line where you are just being a fucking asshole. Grow up,” added De La Hoya.
It remains to be seen what comes next for Garcia, but if this world title shot against Barrios can be agreed, it would present a good opportunity for “Kingry” to win a world title.
Should the fight be made, and Garcia prevails, a rematch with Devin Haney could be on the table if Haney defeats Brian Norman Jr on November 22 to become the WBO welterweight champion.
It feels like 2026 is set to be a big year in the welterweight division.
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.
