Garcia became the new world champion with a unanimous points decision victory over the title holder.
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Published February 22, 2026
Ryan Garcia defeated Mario Barrios by unanimous decision to win the WBC welterweight title.
On Saturday night in Las Vegas, Nevada, Garcia dropped Barrios in the opening seconds and controlled the fight with sharp combinations. The 27-year-old persevered after an early knockdown and was more conservative in the second half with a big lead.
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The judges scored the fight 119-108, 120-107 and 118-109 for Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) of Victorville, California. It was 119-109, according to the Associated Press.
“I’m happy to finally be world champion,” Garcia said. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was 7 years old.”
Garcia has already started looking to his future, setting his sights on WBO super lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and saying he wants him next.
It was the second consecutive dominant fight for Barrios (29-3-2, 18 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, after coming away with a lucky draw and victory over Manny Pacquiao in July.
The win ended a tumultuous period for Garcia that included suspensions, fines and other controversies.
In the co-main event, Gary Antuan Russell defended his title against Andy Hiraoka.
