Ryan Garcia had a prolific amateur boxing career as a 15-time National Amateur Champion with a record of 215-15. Immediately after turning pro, Garcia became an instant star.
In 2021, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez were nicknamed “The New Four Kings”. Davis, Haney and Lopez went on to become multi-division world champions, while Garcia is still looking for his first.
Garcia had the opportunity to challenge Devin Haney for a world title in April 2024, but he blew his chance when he failed to make weight. Garcia won the fight, but the win was overturned due to a failed drug test.
Now, after losing a WBA (Regular) title fight to Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Ryan “KingRy” Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) has been awarded a WBC welterweight world title fight as he takes on champion Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs).
Barrios is a solid fighter with limited head movement, average power and works at a moderate pace. This fight is probably Garcia’s best chance to become a world champion because he has the skills, speed and power advantages.
Seven months ago, Barrios had a chance to collect his share, but he blew it by fighting to a draw against a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao. Mario Barrios is considered by many to be the weakest champion in welterweight.
Barrios’ weakest champion status at 147 is another reason why this is Ryan’s best chance to win a world title. The 27-year-old Garcia wants to win a world title not only for himself, but also for that special person who helped navigate his career.
“I told my dad I dedicate this W to him,” Garcia said. “I really want to win this championship for him. I made that promise and commitment to be the best version of myself, and I’m showing him that we can do it.”
