It’s not just about hitting the mark on the scale; it’s about how much energy he can leave in the sauna during that last week. If Ryan enters the ring exhausted, Barrios is exactly the kind of fighter to take advantage of that fatigue.
This marks Garcia’s return to action following his loss to Rolando Romero last May. In that fight, he was dropped early and never quite found his footing. It was a performance that had critics questioning his defensive holes and his ability to handle pressure. He has spent the months since then rebuilding his body and his craft. Now he’s getting a shot at a world title in a new weight class, skipping the usual draft process to go straight for a belt.
Fans are looking for more than just a successful weigh-in. They want to see if Garcia has developed the discipline to box a full twelve rounds. Barrios is a seasoned champion who knows exactly how to maneuver the welterweight division.
‘El Azteca’ Barrios, 30, is a natural at this weight, with the size and the chin to withstand Ryan’s famous left hook. This is a massive test of Garcia’s technical growth and his ability to remain calm under fire.
The questions Garcia carries into fight week
The big questions are clear. Can Garcia handle the rehydration process effectively at 147? Has he really sharpened his skills and defensive footwork since the Romero loss? More importantly, can he maintain his focus against a natural welterweight to secure a belt and move past his recent struggles? A win here changes the entire trajectory of his career, while a loss could be devastating.
The first set of answers will come when the fighters step on the scale on February 20. If Kingry lost too much weight during fight week, we’ll know it by his appearance.
Garcia and Barrios square off at the T-Mobile Arena on Feb. 21, with the action streaming live on DAZN pay-per-view. This Las Vegas event is expected to be one of the biggest draws of the early year as Garcia looks to prove he belongs among the elite at 147.
