Garcia served a one-year suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Ostarine in 2024. His victory over Devin Haney that year was later overturned by the New York State Athletic Commission.
He returned to the ring on May 2, 2025 when he fought Rolando “Rolly” Romero for the vacant WBA welterweight title. Garcia lost that fight. He hasn’t fought since.
Despite the loss, Garcia was approved for a title fight against Barrios. He did not take a rematch, win a knockout or move into a mandatory position before being matched for the WBC belt.
That course of events is what many critics keep pointing to. The view among these fans is that a fighter who loses a suspension and a title fight is normally expected to win again before getting another shot.
Garcia’s supporters defended the match, pointing to his popularity and past success. They argue that his profile makes the fight worth it, even without a recent win to propel him back into contention.
From the WBC’s side, the fight is a voluntary defense for Barrios. Garcia is not the mandatory challenger, and no ordering process was necessary for the fight to be approved.
The date is set, and the battle is on. What hasn’t been settled is the reaction to how Garcia got to another title opportunity, with debate continuing over whether the division’s usual merit system has been overridden.
