Fans on social media are slamming Ryan Garcia for announcing his title fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on February 21, 2026 in Las Vegas. This is believed to be a joint PPV event on DAZN and Amazon Prime Video.
The marketing machine at work
The critics see Ryan getting a title shot against Barrios because of his marketability on Instagram and X. They feel that if not for Garcia’s popularity, he would not get a title shot since he is not ranked in the WBC’s top 15.
Kingry’s social media follows
- Instagram – 12.16 million followers
- X – 1.13 million
- YouTube – 1.73
People are complaining about Ryan (24-2, 20 KOs) getting a title shot with a 1-2 record in his three fights. He tested positive for a PED after a win against Devin Haney in 2024. The fight was later changed to a no contest. He was suspended for a year and lost to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero via a 12-round unanimous decision on May 2, 2025.
Barrios: The Softest Touch
Ryan’s selection of WBC 147-lb champion Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), who looked weak in his last fight against 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, suggests he was looking for the weakest of the four champions to improve his chances of winning a belt. Picking the softest of the belt holders gives Garcia his best shot at winning a title for the first time in his nine-year career.
It will look bad if Ryan wins a controversial decision. This will make it pretty clear to fans that Garcia’s career is just one big marketing gimmick and that he is an artificially manufactured fighter to bring in money.
If Ryan loses, then what?
If Garcia loses to Barrios, it’s going to be tough for him to come back. It would be his third loss in his last five fights and his second in a row against a flawed fighter. To bounce back from that loss, Ryan will have to focus solely on soft opposition to turn things around.
The WBC could prevent the fight between Barrios and Ryan Garcia from happening if they refuse to sanction it. But they are not expected to do so because it is a struggle that.
I make you believe pic.twitter.com/2zsS2QHzeM
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) November 20, 2025
Last updated on 21/11/2025
