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Mario Barrios Vs. Ryan Garcia Preview

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 9:38 AM ET

Mario Barrios takes on Ryan Garcia in a defense of his WBC Welterweight Title on February 21, as we preview this fight.

In July 2025, Barrios retained his title via a majority draw against Manny Pacquiao. While Barrios showed championship grit in the final rounds, the 46-year-old Pacquiao outlanded him in power punches, leading some to question the champion’s current form.

Meanwhile, Garcia is coming off a loss to Rolando Romero in May 2025. That bout marked his first major title attempt since his 2024 victory over Devin Haney that was overturned due to a positive VADA test for Ostarine. Garcia has emphasized his commitment to clean sport for this camp, enrolling early in VADA testing to ensure full sanctioning by the WBC.

Pre-Fight

“Everyone knows Ryan has a lot of power, but that was at 135 pounds. This is 147 now. You don’t always take that power with you when you move up in weight. Ryan is a big guy, but Mario is bigger. We won’t let Ryan outwork us. Conditioning plays a factor in a big fight like this. Who’s going to come down the stretch and hit as hard late as they did early? But I am not going to underestimate any fighter I go up against. That’s the biggest mistake you can make.

“I already know that Ryan is very motivated right now. I’d be foolish to expect anything less than 100 percent. I hope Ryan comes in 100 percent, like he said he would. I will take him for his word for that. I’m shooting for 120 percent with Mario, because sometimes 100 percent is not good enough,” Joe Gosseen

“I actually like the combination of Ryan and Henry. Henry is going to get him in great shape. They know exactly what they have to do. Ryan is looking great. Ryan is motivated once again. I see him with passion and a lot of heart and love for the sport. When you have a Ryan Garcia who’s disciplined, dedicated, and devoted to the sport, you have one dangerous man,” Oscar De La Hoya stated