The long-anticipated showdown between WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia will place on February 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will stream on DAZN as a pay-per-view event, also available to subscribers of the platform’s “Ultimate” package.
Barrios first claimed interim WBC status at welterweight in 2023 with a wide decision over Yordenis Ugas and was later elevated to full champion following Terence Crawford’s exit from the division. Barrios’ two most recent title defenses both ended in draws, first against Abel Ramos in November 2024 and then against a returning Manny Pacquiao last July.
For Garcia, the February 21 bout represents his first opportunity to fight for a world title. The 26-year-old has not competed since a disappointing loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero in May, and he acknowledged the stakes by predicting a “bloody” fight in a social media post following the announcement. Garcia’s previous title-level moment against Devin Haney in 2024 was later ruled a no contest after a positive test for a banned substance, leading to a one-year suspension.
Both fighters have something significant to prove. Barrios is looking for a definitive performance after two title defenses that raised questions despite preserving his championship status. Garcia, meanwhile, is attempting to rebound from recent setbacks and reassert himself as a top-level attraction, with another loss potentially damaging his standing as one of boxing’s biggest draws. So, reputations and momentum are on the line.
Fight card:
▪️Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios, 12 rounds, for Garcia’s WBC welterweight title
