WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman reports that his organization has lifted its ban on Ryan Garcia. This comes after Ryan (24-2, 20 KOs) went through a rehab process to recover. He was suspended in July 2024 for racist comments.
It is unclear whether Ryan will now receive a top 15 ranking with the WBC at welterweight. His promoters at Golden Boy are reportedly negotiating with Premier Boxing Champions for him to challenge WBC 147-lb champion Mario Barrios for February or March 2026.
Fans on social media went wild after hearing the reports of Garcia being in talks for a title shot against WBC champion Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs). They believe Ryan does not deserve an opportunity to challenge for a belt as he lost his last fight to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero via a 12-round unanimous decision for the vacant WBA welterweight title on May 2, 2025 in Times Square.
Sulaiman’s statement
The WBC Board of Governors is in favor of lifting the ban on @RyanGarcia after his successful process which was documented. The WBC has been very close to Ryan, his family, management and promoter and we trust that a new life will begin inside and outside the ring.
We…— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) November 4, 2025
It doesn’t matter if Ryan doesn’t receive a top 15 ranking with the WBC. He will still be allowed to fight Barrios for the belt. Garcia’s popularity makes him fit to fight for a world title in front of WBC mandatory challenger Souleymane Cissokho.
Garcia’s popularity factor
It’s unfair of course, but boxing is a business. Ryan moves the needle and has a huge social media following on Instagram with 12 million followers. In contrast, the Senegal-born, France-based Souleymane is not well known in the US
A fight between him and Mario Barrios won’t sell on PPV. It would be a disaster on Amazon Prime Video PPV as PBC would try to ask fans to watch—the reality of the sport. Nobody knows who Souleymane is, so he’s out in the cold.
I know, it’s hard for a 34-year-old like Cissokho to be passed over, especially when a fighter who hasn’t won a fight in two years since 2023 is given a title shot against Barrios. It’s cruel, and you can’t blame him for seething with rage over this. That’s how it is.
The underlying reality
Let’s get this straight – the WBC has not forgiven Ryan Garcia. It is better for them that he is reappointed. He’s like Fort Knox, pure gold to bring in fans, and it’s more beneficial for the WBC if Ryan gets their hands on their welterweight title than an unknown fighter that Americans and fans in Mexico have never heard of.
Look at it this way. Barrios vs Ryan Garcia sold. A fight between Barrios and Souleymane does not. What makes it worse is that Souleymane will likely beat Barrios, and the WBC will have a champion holding their belt that American fans have no interest in watching. If Barrios is going to lose, it’s better for the WBC that it’s up to Ryan.
Boxing is becoming more like the WWE now, and it’s more about who sells. The merit system that used to operate the sport is disappearing and being replaced by fighters who bring in the dough. That’s why fighters like Ryan Garcia keep getting chances.
Last updated on 11/03/2025
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