Ryan Garcia won the WBC welterweight title by defeating Mario Barrios over twelve rounds, but the shift did not change the order of 147 pounds. He replaced the most vulnerable champion in the division and now stands in the same place.
Garcia boxed with discipline, dropping Barrios early, relying heavily on a sharp right hand that kept the fight under control. He avoided the reckless exchanges that had previously hurt him and delivered one of his more measured performances in years. The win was important for his career, especially after a stretch that brought doubts about his focus and durability.
Barrios entered the ring as the titleholder, but his position at welterweight had long been fragile. Before drawing with Abel Ramos and 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, he won three straight in 2023 and early 2024 against Jovanie Santiago, Fabian Maidana and Yordenis Ugas.
Those victories positioned him to be elevated to WBC champion, but none came against fighters widely considered to be the strongest names in the weight class. Earlier in his run, he was stopped by Gervonta Davis and beaten by Keith Thurman, results that put him as competitive but not at 147 commanding.
That reputation followed him into the fight, as Barrios was widely seen as the belter who would chase other champions first, instead of the fighter controlling the division.
By defeating him, Garcia didn’t clear the field or force a reshuffle at the top. He stepped directly into the role that Barrios held. Devin Haney and Rolando Romero remain ahead in terms of proven strength at welterweight, and both present problems Garcia has yet to answer inside the ring. Even younger fighters hover near the division project as difficult nights based on speed, timing and physical pressure.
Garcia now holds the WBC belt, giving him the prestige he lacked a year ago. Within the division, he occupies the same vulnerable position that Barrios occupied before him, with a title that puts him directly in the line of fire.
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Last updated on 02/22/2026 at 12:23 p.m
