Garcia targets Barrios for WBC welterweight title after ban lifted

Ryan Garcia is nearing a deal to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in the first quarter of 2026, promoters and officials said, after the World Boxing Council lifted a ban that had prevented Garcia from participating in WBC activities. Teams for Garcia and Barrios have been exchanging contract terms as they work toward a potential title fight, which promoters are eyeing for early next year and planning as a jointly distributed pay‑per‑view event.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced that the WBC Board of Governors voted to lift Garcia's suspension after the fighter completed a documented rehabilitation process. Sulaiman said the WBC hopes Garcia will begin "a new life inside and outside the ring" and welcomed him back. Promotional discussions are advancing even though Garcia is not currently ranked in the top 15 of the sanctioning bodies at 147 pounds, a point that has prompted debate within the sport.

Garcia, 27, has publicly signaled his interest in the matchup. On social media he wrote, "I'm ready for war," and in a recent interview he said, "I want Mario Barrios. I'm going to go for it." Barrios, 30, would be making what would be his third defense of the...