By Breaking Editor 
Ryan Garcia officially secured his first world championship title on Saturday night, delivering a commanding performance against Mario Barrios in a bout that concluded with a unanimous decision. The fight, held on February 21, 2026, showcased Garcia’s skill and power, as he knocked Barrios down in the opening seconds and never relinquished control, with judges scoring the match 120-107, 119-108, and 118-109 in favor of Garcia.
Although, savvy observers, like Tim Bradley, a former welterweight and super lightweight champion, were quick to dismiss Barrios’ competitiveness. Although, one thing to highlight is the fact that Barrios appeared to have been sick during the buildup to the fight which could have affected his offensive output.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Garcia, who has faced numerous challenges outside the ring in recent years, including widely reported struggles with personal conduct and discipline. Despite his tumultuous past, including incidents that drew scrutiny within the boxing community, Garcia capitalized on this opportunity, reaffirming his status among boxing’s elite.
In the aftermath of his victory, Garcia’s next steps are already a topic of discussion. Conor Benn, who recently signed with Zuffa Boxing, has publicly expressed interest in challenging Garcia for the title, framing the potential matchup as a marquee event in the welterweight division. Meanwhile, Garcia has also called out rising star Shakur Stevenson, highlighting the 2026 boxing landscape’s increasing competition.