Garcia Set for Barrios WBC Title Fight in 2026

Ryan Garcia, the controversial welterweight contender, is on track to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in early 2026, following the sanctioning body's recent decision to lift a one-year ban on the California fighter.

The matchup gained momentum after early discussions between the fighters' camps, as confirmed by Barrios' trainer, Bob Santos. "Everything looks to be headed in that direction," Santos said, noting that final approvals rest with promoters Luis DeCubas Jr. and Al Haymon, along with Garcia's team at Golden Boy Promotions. The WBC reinstated Garcia after reviewing his efforts toward personal change, with president Mauricio Sulaiman stating on social media that the organization trusts Garcia to represent a new generation of boxers. Garcia himself expressed gratitude, posting online, "I'm officially unbanned from the WBC. I want to thank the WBC for seeing my efforts of change and making this decision. I'm ready to put that green and gold belt on and represent as a true champion."

Garcia's path to this opportunity has been turbulent. The 27-year-old, a former WBC interim lightweight champion, has not secured an official victory since stopping Oscar...