Ryan Garcia claims he has signed to fight WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, in bad news for Conor Benn.
The Brit had set his sights on ‘El Azteca’ after convincingly beating Chris Eubank Jr over the weekend to settle one of boxing’s longest-running blood feuds.
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Barrios will defend his WBC welterweight title against GarciaCredit: Getty
His standpoint was shared by legendary father, Nigel, who told the Ariel Helwani show on Wednesday night: “Personally, I want the WBC around your waist, like me.
“I’d like him to fight for the WBC against Barrios. Win the WBC and then fight Ryan Garcia. That’s my dream.”
However, it seems Benn will have to wait a little longer for his shot at the green and gold strap.
As Garcia took to social media in the early hours of Thursday morning to upload a video of himself putting pen to paper on what he insisted was a contract to face Barrios for the Mexican-American’s green and gold strap.
“Yo – signed,” said Garcia, who had also called out Benn after his most recent win.
“I’m going to be fighting for the real WBC championship belt, against Mario Barrios, February 21st.
“Get ready, ‘cause I’m coming. Let’s go.”
The fight hasn’t been officially announced by organisers yet…
At the time of writing, neither Garcia’s representatives, Golden Boy Promotions, nor Barrios’ promoter, Premier Boxing Champions, has officially announced the fight.
Regardless, it has been widely reported that ‘King Ry’ was on the verge of finalising terms with Barrios.
Garcia isn’t currently ranked at 147lbs by the WBC and was banned by the major sanctioning body in July 2024 after posting a series of racial slurs on social media.
The suspension was, however, lifted earlier this month by the WBC Board of Governors, clearing the way for Garcia to re-enter their rankings and face Barrios for the world title.
“The WBC Board of Governors has voted in favor of lifting the suspension on Ryan Garcia after his successful and documented process,” read a statement from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on November 4.
“The WBC has been very close to Ryan, his family, his management team, and promoter, and we are confident that he will start a new life inside and outside the ring.
“We welcome you with open arms and trust that you will be an ambassador for the new generation.”
Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios’ recent form
Garcia (24-2) returned to the ring in May following a 12-month doping suspension, to lose on points to Rolly Romero for the vacant WBA ‘regular’ strap.
The 27-year-old was dropped early and appeared hesitant to let his hands go throughout the bout at New York’s Times Square.
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Garcia was beaten by Romero the last time he stepped between the ropesCredit: Getty
His performance hardly warranted another shot at gold, though; his adversary hasn’t exactly been in the richest vein of form either.
Barrios (29-2-2) was elevated from interim to full WBC champion in June 2024 and has since defended his belt twice via back-to-back controversial draws.
The first came against the unheralded Abel Ramos, and the second to a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao.