Ryan Garcia’s WBC deadline miss brings $5,000 fine before title fight

Garcia is set to face Barrios on February 21 in what will be the champion’s first fight since back-to-back draws. Barrios held onto his title after a split draw against Abel Ramos in 2024 before drawing with Manny Pacquiao last July.

Garcia’s only appearance in 2025 resulted in a loss against Rolly Romero for the vacant WBA (Regular) welterweight title. The Californian is now aiming for his first victory since 2023 to kick off his current campaign.

His preparation hit a snag when he missed the deadline for the WBC’s mandatory safety rule.

Garcia was supposed to provide video evidence by February 7 that he was within five percent of the 147-pound limit. According to reports, he was fined $5,000 after missing that deadline.

According to BoxingScene, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman sent a message to Garcia’s team saying: “Ryan Garcia’s 14-day weight check was supposed to be received this past Saturday, February 7. Champion Barrios did comply with the video of this mandatory safety rule. The WBC hereby imposes a $5000 (five thousand dollars) fine for non-compliance.

“We expect to receive the weight video either today or first thing tomorrow morning depending on his training schedule. If we do not receive this video by then, we will be making a press statement and will contact the boxing commission with this concern.”

Garcia did end up submitting proof within another window provided by Sulaiman before things could escalate further than they already had at that point.

The fighters were scheduled for a second check on Saturday, during which they must be no more than three percent above the maximum allowed weight.

Ryan Garcia has had past issues making weight

The scrutiny on Garcia’s weight is likely heightened due to the events preceding his scheduled 2024 WBC super lightweight title bout against Devin Haney.

At the Barclays Center in New York, the polarizing 27-year-old was unable to fight for the belt after missing weight by 3.2 pounds.

Although Garcia initially secured a victory over Haney with a strong showing, the praise for his performance was short-lived. The result was ultimately overturned to a no-contest after tests revealed accelerated levels of ostarine.

Consequently, ‘KingRy’ faced a one-year suspension and forfeited his contracted purse of $1.1 million due to that indiscretion.