Las Vegas is considered the fight and entertainment capital of the world. One of boxing’s most entertaining (and controversial) figures, Ryan Garcia, looks to make a statement when, live on DAZN, he challenges Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
Garcia (24-2) showed promise early on, winning interim gold in 2021. He’s one of the most popular athletes in the sport. In his last five fights, Garcia has gone 2-2 with one no-contest, the latter a win against Devin Haney overturned following a failed drug test.
“KingRy” got dropped against Rolando Romero in his return fight following a suspension. While he has money and fame, a world title is the one thing Garcia has never had. The 27-year-old looks to finally get the respect he believes he deserves with a win.
“I’m a little different and did things backward in my career,” Garcia told ESPN. “I’m now planning to grab as many world titles as I possibly can to complete the picture of my entire career.
“This is the last piece of that puzzle. A world champion means you are the best in the world, and being the best in the world is what God originally set me out to accomplish.”
Barrios (29-2-2) has gone 0-0-2 against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao since becoming the full-time champion, with Pacquiao coming out of retirement. A gifted fighter, Barrios has some detractors following recent outings.
Barrios believes he learned from his last fight and is ready to apply that knowledge against Garcia.
”Stylistically, I think this is going to be a very exciting fight. Garcia, he’s explosive, he’s dangerous, but I think on a boxing level, there’s no competing with us. I think I’m the better fighter,” Barrios told DAZN via Yahoo Sports.
It will be either a calculating or chaotic affair. Here’s what matters most in Garcia vs. Barrios — plus our expert pick for how the 2026 fight unfolds.
Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios prediction
Garcia is known for his knockout power, with 20 wins via the power punch. His ability to land rapid-fire punches is one of his best traits. Garcia averages the fourth-fewest total punches thrown per round (32.5) and sixth-fewest landed (10.1), while his opponents land the second-fewest punches per round (7.1).
Garcia has proven he can be unstoppable in the ring. However, when he’s in his own head, he sabotages himself.
MORE: Breaking down the entire Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios undercard
Against Devin Haney, Garcia landed 106 of 285 shots (37.2%), only landing double-digit punches in four rounds. It was enough to knock Haney down multiple times. The fight was his most complete performance, but it was thrown in the trash after his failed drug test.
Against Rolando Romero, Garcia landed 66 of 210 shots (31.4%), while Romero landed 57 of 280 (20.4%). Garcia did not land double-digit shots and got dropped in the fight, a step-back performance following a suspension.
Barrios is ranked eighth in all of boxing when it comes to jabs thrown (56.1%) and sixth in jabs landed (42.2%). How has that helped in his most recent fights? How consistent has he been?
Against Yordenis Ugas, Barrios outlanded him 131-39 in the last six rounds. Of the 193 strikes he landed, 107 of them were jabs. Against Abel Ramos, Barrios had a 279-204 edge in punches landed, landing 35.4% of his shots compared to 27.1% by his opponent. He landed 163 of 505 jabs (32.3%).
MORE: Boxing schedule 2026
When he faced Manny Pacquiao, Barrios landed 120 of 658 punches (18.2%), while Pacquiao landed 101 of 577 shots (17.5%). Barrios landed 45 jabs and landed double-digit shots seven times.
Realistically, Garcia should outbox Barrios. There’s a reason Barrios is the B-side, as he was against Pacquiao.
There is one thing to wonder: Which Garcia will show up? Barrios can give Garcia some issues early on if the latter isn’t 100% physically and mentally. Providing pressure will be key for Barrios.
One has to think Garcia, who hasn’t officially won a fight since 2023, understands the stakes here. Garcia should go for the knockout, but the bout going the distance might make sense.
Sporting News prediction: Garcia via unanimous decision