Ryan Garcia delivered one of the most disciplined performances of his career, defeating Mario Barrios by unanimous decision to capture the WBC welterweight title. The bout showcased a more composed version of Garcia, one who balanced explosive offense with smart ring control across twelve dominant rounds.
Garcia wasted no time making an impression. Within the opening minute, he landed a sharp overhand right that dropped Barrios and immediately shifted the momentum. Instead of chasing a quick knockout, Garcia stayed patient, using his speed and timing to pick apart the champion with clean combinations and precise counters. His jab repeatedly disrupted Barrios’ rhythm, allowing him to dictate distance and tempo.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
A statement victory that changes Garcia’s future
Barrios showed grit throughout the fight, absorbing heavy shots and continuing to press forward despite the early knockdown. The former champion had brief moments of success with his right hand, but he struggled to match Garcia’s pace. As the rounds progressed, Garcia’s footwork and defensive awareness became increasingly noticeable, reflecting the technical improvements he has made in recent fights.
Highlights from Ryan Garcia's total domination of Mario Barrios to become world champion 🥊
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 22, 2026
The Ring: High Stakes on DAZN 📺 pic.twitter.com/Js0lMXs6Ic
By the championship rounds, the outcome felt inevitable. Garcia controlled exchanges, avoided unnecessary risks, and closed the fight strongly to secure wide scorecards from the judges. The victory marked the first world title win of his career and represented a significant step forward after a turbulent period both inside and outside the ring.
With the WBC welterweight belt now around his waist, Garcia enters a new phase at 147 pounds. The division is stacked with dangerous contenders, but this performance suggested he has evolved beyond simply being a flashy knockout artist. Against Barrios, Garcia showed maturity, patience, and championship-level composure, leaving fans wondering who could be next to challenge boxing’s newly crowned welterweight star.
READ MORE: Jake Paul Has Second Surgery After Jaw Injury Linked to Anthony Joshua Fight







