Ryan Garcia Fined by WBC For Late Weight Check Submission Ahead Of Barrios Title Fight!
(February 14th) Ryan Garcia has been fined $5,000 by the WBC after missing the deadline to submit his 14-day weight check video ahead of his February 21st, 2026 welterweight title clash with champion Mario Barrios.
The WBC’s February 7 deadline passed before Garcia’s team provided proof of his weight at 154.2 pounds, which remains within the 155-pound limit. The governing body issued both a fine and a warning for future compliance. In contrast, Barrios satisfied the requirement on time, weighing in at 153 pounds. Both fighters successfully passed their initial 30-day checks.
The bout headlines a DAZN pay-per-view card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Garcia, seeking a career rebound after past setbacks—including missing weight against Devin Haney in 2024, which led to a no-contest and suspension. The WBC reinstated Garcia’s license in late 2025.
Both Garcia and Barrios remain under VADA drug testing, with no issues reported thus far. Their next target is meeting the rule of staying within 3% above the 147-pound limit in the final pre-fight check.
The matchup that pairs divisional credibility with mainstream star power San Antonio, Texas, Barrios, 29-2-2, 18Ko’s (losses came to Keith Thurman and Gervonta Davis) defends his WBC Welterweight title won with a twelve round unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugas in 2023 for a third time after drawing with Abel Ramos 2024 and Manny Pacquiao 2025.
Los Angeles, California’s, Garcia, 24-2, 20Ko’s, last official win a 2023 KO of Oscar Duarte, challenges despite recent setbacks, including a no-contest vs. Devin Haney (drug test failure), expulsion then reinstatement by WBC and a loss to Rolly Romero. A victory over Barrios would represent Garcia’s first world title win at welterweight and a significant step forward in his career at the higher weight.
Adding further intrigue to the matchup is Barrios’ current training arrangement, as he is now coached by Joe Goossen, who previously worked with Garcia earlier in his professional career. The dynamic introduces an additional strategic subplot to a bout already drawing significant attention.
The card includes four confirmed bouts beyond the main event, blending title defenses and contender matchups from Premier Boxing Champions and Golden Boy Promotions.
WBC World Welterweight title:
Mario Barrios, 29-2-2, 18Ko’s vs Ryan Garcia, 24-2, 20Ko’s – 12rds
Super Lightweights:
Gary Antuanne Russell, 18-1, 17Ko’s vs Andy Hiraoka, 24-0, 19Ko’s – 12rds
IBF World Super Lightweight Title:
Richardson Hitchins, 20-0, 8Ko’s vs Oscar Duarte Jurado, 30-2-1, 23Ko’s
Super Lightweights:
Frank Martin, 19-1, 13Ko’s vs Nahir Albright, 17-2, 7Ko’s – 10rds
Super Middleweights:
Bektemir Melikuziev, 14-1, 10Ko’s vs Sena Agbeko, 29-5, 23Ko’s – 10rds
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Event Name: The Ring: High Stakes
Promoter: Tom Brown - TGB Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya - Golden Boy Promotions
Matchmaker: Eric Gomez, Whitfield Haydon, Javier Razo
Media: DAZN PPV
Tickets for Ryan Garcia vs. Mario “El Azteca” Barrios welterweight title fight Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas can be purchased just (click here).
The Showdown:
Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia!
(February 13th) Tension rises as Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia go face-to-face ahead of their explosive welterweight world title showdown.
The elite welterweights will return to the fight capital of the world for a massive, worldwide PPV event on DAZN, taking place Saturday, February 21, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Face Off: Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia!
(February 7th) Two warriors. One collision course. On one side stands Mario Barrios, the composed world champion with ice in his veins, built for 12 hard rounds and proven in firefights. On the other, Ryan Garcia, a volatile superstar with fight-ending speed, a point to prove, and a chip on his shoulder that’s only gotten heavier.
When their eyes lock, chaos spills over—shoves, words, ego, and pride all threatening to explode before the first bell even rings. This isn’t just a face off; it’s a fuse being lit. Barrios vs Garcia: two careers on the brink, one night to decide who rises and who gets left behind.
Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia Presser!
(January 22nd) In a special Hollywood, kick-off Ring Magazine press conference, WBC Welterweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and global phenomenon “King” Ryan Garcia will host a media event to officially announce and preview their mega pay-per-view showdown, The Ring: High Stakes, on Thursday, January 22. The elite welterweights will return to the fight capital of the world for a massive, worldwide PPV event on DAZN, taking place Saturday, February 21, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
What was supposed to be a standard kickoff press conference for Ryan Garcia vs. Mario “El Azteca” Barrios quickly spiraled into one of the most theatrical openers in recent memory, as Garcia hijacked the spotlight to air his grievances with former trainer Joe Goossen while both fighters vowed a violent, fan-friendly title fight on February 21.
From the opening exchanges, tension crackled. Garcia fixated on Goossen’s presence in Barrios’ corner, repeatedly accusing the veteran trainer of disloyalty and turning their split into a public spectacle. Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion, tried to steer the conversation back to business, promising consistency, toughness, and a no-excuses performance when the bell rings.
Despite the drama, the fighters found common ground on one thing: they’re chasing a war. Both men predicted a brutal, bloody encounter and agreed to eight-ounce gloves — a clear signal that caution won’t be part of the game plan.
Garcia leaned fully into the theatrics when addressing Goossen, framing the split like a messy breakup in front of the crowd. “You broke my heart, it’s over… We’re done,” Garcia said, before cracking, “Yeah, I’m breaking up with you again,” drawing equal parts laughter and gasps.
He escalated the moment by producing a black T-shirt emblazoned with “I’M A TRAITOR,” which he handed to Goossen. Garcia mocked Barrios’ camp as “The Avengers,” adding that he personally refers to them as “The Traitors.”
When the focus finally returned to the fight, Garcia struck a sharper tone. “I’m truly privileged to be in this big fight,” he said. “I am absolutely ready for this fight. I’ve been incredibly focused. I’m on my game, and I’m ready to put a beating on somebody.”
Garcia predicted damage and chaos inside the ring. “There’s going to be a lot of cuts in this fight,” he warned. “It’s going to be an exciting fight… a sleeper fight. I predict it’s going to be very bloody, a grueling fight.”
He also pushed hard for eight-ounce gloves, noting Barrios previously fought Keith Thurman in 10-ounce mitts. Team Barrios ultimately agreed, removing another layer of protection from an already volatile matchup.
As Garcia’s drama dominated the stage, Barrios cracked a smile and quipped, “This is turning into a circus.” Garcia fired back, “I’m the ringmaster!” Barrios responded in Spanish with a smirk: “El payaso” — the clown.
Still, the champion welcomed the idea of facing a fully focused Garcia. “They say he’s focused — we’re going to get a Ryan that’s 100%,” Barrios said. “I’m happy to hear it. I don’t quit on my knee.”
Confident and composed, Barrios emphasized his track record. “You all know what I bring every time I step in there,” he told reporters. “When I dominate on February 21, there’s going to be no excuses. Boxing fans are going to get a great fight.”
Reflecting on his career arc, Barrios made it clear he doesn’t see Garcia as a final chapter. “It’s been a hell of a journey,” he said. “I’ve still got a lot to do.” To him, Garcia represents another major step — not the finish line.
Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya fueled expectations, telling the room fans will see the old version of Garcia — “the one who wants to go in there and knock your head off.”
Both camps echoed that sentiment. Garcia’s team insisted he’ll be “100%,” while Barrios’ corner promised “120%,” calling the matchup a potential classic.
With tempers flaring, eight-ounce gloves locked in, and both fighters predicting blood, Garcia vs. Barrios is already living up to its billing. The all-action WBC welterweight title fight goes down February 21 in Las Vegas on DAZN PPV — and if the presser was any indication, the chaos has only just begun.
San Antonio, Texas, Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Los Angeles, California’s, Ryan “King Ry” Garcia are scheduled to meet in a fight billed as “The Ring: High Stakes” for Barrios WBC Welterweight World title Saturday, February 21st at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The contest represents a pivotal moment for both fighters, each entering the bout seeking a definitive statement after recent setbacks.
The high-consequence crossroads bout is slated to headline a major pay-per-view event promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, on a Ring-branded card backed by Turki Alalshikh is scheduled to air live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The 30-year-old, Barrios, 29-2-2, 18Ko’s only professional defeats a 2021 stoppage loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis junior welterweight and a wide decision loss to Keith “One Time” Thurman at welterweight in 2022 captured the WBC interim welterweight title in September 2023 with a wide unanimous decision victory over Yordenis Ugas. He made a successful interim defense in May 2024, earning a twelve-round unanimous decision over Fabian Maidana.
Shortly thereafter, Terence Crawford vacated the WBC welterweight championship while pursuing bouts outside the division, prompting the WBC to elevate Barrios from interim to full welterweight world champion. Since gaining full title status, Barrios has retained the belt through a split-decision draw against Abel Ramos in November 2024 and a majority draw against former eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, July 2025.
For this title defense, Barrios has added an intriguing wrinkle by linking up with veteran trainer Joe Goossen, who previously worked with Garcia earlier in his career.
At 27 years old, the always controversial, Garcia, 24-2, 20Ko’s, 1 NC, enters as the challenger amid renewed scrutiny and opportunity. Despite his global popularity and repeated appearances on major cards, Garcia has never held a full world championship.
His most recent outing came in May 2025, when he made his welterweight debut and lost a wide unanimous decision to Rolando “Rolly” Romero in a bout contested for a secondary WBA title. Romero has since been elevated to full WBA champion status.
Before that, Garcia’s controversial April 2024 bout with Devin Haney initially appeared to be a breakthrough, as he scored three knockdowns and earned a decision at junior welterweight. That result was later overturned to a No Contest after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine and missed weight. He was subsequently suspended for one year.
Garcia’s only clear victory since 2023 remains an eighth-round knockout of Oscar Duarte, a performance often cited as one of the most complete wins of his career.
The WBC removed Garcia from its rankings following the Haney case, but on November 3, 2025, WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán announced that Garcia’s suspension had expired and that he was eligible to challenge for the title.
The Barrios fight represents Garcia’s third attempt to secure a major world title across multiple weight classes.
Both fighters enter the bout coming off non-wins, heightening the stakes of the matchup. For Barrios, the fight is an opportunity to solidify his legitimacy as champion. For Garcia, it is widely viewed as a critical chance to validate his elite status at the championship level.
The WBC has indicated that Conor Benn is positioned as a future mandatory challenger, meaning the winner of Barrios vs. Garcia could be ordered to face Benn later in 2026, further raising the bout’s long-term significance.
While the supporting cast has not yet been “officially” announced, the following matchups have been strongly linked to the event:
Capitol Heights, Maryland, WBA Jr. Welterweight Champion, Gary “The Last” Antuanne Russell, 18-1, 17Ko’s defending his belt against Yokohama, Japan’s unbeaten Andy Hiraoka, 24-0, 19Ko’s and in a IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator, Miami, Florida, “Cuban Flash” Frank Sánchez facing off against Tulare, California, 2020 Olympic Superheavyweight Silver Medalist, Richard Torrez Jr; 14-0, 12Ko’s.
Print