Ryan Garcia Aims for World Title Glory Against Mario Barrios
Ryan Garcia is set to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship this month in a high-stakes bout that could propel the American towards a major showdown with British star Conor Benn. The fight represents Garcia's first opportunity to become a fully-fledged world champion, a milestone that has eluded him despite previous interim success at lightweight.
Background and Fighter Form
Garcia's journey to this title shot has been marked by significant hurdles. The 27-year-old, known as "King Ryan," carries a record of 24 wins and 2 losses, with 20 knockouts. His most recent outing resulted in a defeat to Rolly Romero, where he was dropped and outpointed. Additionally, a failed drug test overturned a 2024 victory over Devin Haney, further complicating his career trajectory.
Outside the ring, Garcia has faced personal issues that have impacted his consistency. In a controversial admission, he claimed to have been drinking leading up to the Haney fight, highlighting the distractions that have plagued his ascent.
Barrios, the defending champion, enters the contest with his own challenges. The 30-year-old southpaw holds a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 18 knockouts. His momentum has stalled recently, as he has not secured a win since May 2024. Subsequent draws against Abel Ramos and a ring-rusty Manny Pacquiao, aged 46, have raised questions about his current form.
Event Details and Viewing Information
The Garcia vs Barrios fight is scheduled for Saturday, 21 February, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will commence at 1am GMT on Sunday, 22 February, which corresponds to 5pm PT, 7pm CT, and 8pm ET on Saturday. Ring walks for the main event are anticipated around 4am GMT on Sunday, or 8pm PT, 10pm CT, and 11pm ET on Saturday.
Globally, the event will be streamed exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view. Pricing varies by region: £24.99 in the United Kingdom, $64.99 in the United States, and approximately $19.99 in other countries. Viewers can purchase access through the DAZN platform, which also offers subscription plans starting at £15.99 per month.
Betting Odds and Undercard
According to Betway, Garcia is the favourite with odds of 4/9, while Barrios stands at 7/4. A draw is priced at 16/1. The full fight card, subject to change, features several notable bouts:
- Mario Barrios (C) vs Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title
- Richardson Hitchins (C) vs Oscar Duarte for the IBF super-lightweight title
- Gary Antuanne Russell (C) vs Andy Hiraoka for the WBA super-lightweight title
- Frank Martin vs Nahir Albright in a super-lightweight contest
- Bektemir Melikuziev vs Sena Agbeko in a super-middleweight clash
This event not only offers Garcia a chance to realise his world-title dream but also positions him for a potential future bout with Conor Benn, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the welterweight division.
