Negotiations are nearly complete for a WBC welterweight title bout between Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios, with both sides exchanging finalized contracts for a potential showdown in the first quarter of 2026, according to Mike Coppinger. The matchup would mark Garcia’s second attempt at a world championship and Barrios’s next defense following his draw with Manny Pacquiao in July.
Barrios retained his title after going the distance with the 46-year-old Pacquiao in Las Vegas. The San Antonio native also previously drew with Abel Ramos in November 2024 and owns a stoppage loss to Gervonta Davis, who defeated him in 2021.
For Garcia this bout represents a chance at redemption after a turbulent two-year stretch. The 27-year-old Californian suffered a shocking decision loss to Rolly Romero in May, when the pair fought for the vacant WBA interim welterweight title in a Times Square main event. Romero was later upgraded to full champion following Jaron Ennis’s move up in weight.
Garcia was also approached by Jake Paul’s team as a possible replacement opponent for the Netflix exhibition initially featuring Davis, but promoter Oscar De La Hoya quickly ruled that out, citing Golden Boy’s broadcast commitment with DAZN.
Should Garcia win, a unification bout against Devin Haney, who faces Brian Norman Jr. on November 22 in Riyadh, could emerge as one of 2026’s biggest fights.
Image Credit: The Ring