Barrios vs. Garcia fight card loses title fight just before event
MMA Fighting
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - The highly anticipated co-main event of the Barrios vs. Garcia fight card was thrown into chaos just hours before it was set to take place. Richardson Hitchins, the IBF junior-welterweight champion with a flawless 20-0 record, withdrew from his title defense against Oscar Duarte due to an unspecified illness. This unexpected development left fans and boxing enthusiasts wondering about the implications for the fight card and the fighters involved.
Hitchins, who entered the bout as a significant favorite following his impressive victory over George Kambosos Jr., was on track to make history in his home state of Nevada. The 28-year-old had been building momentum with a dominant performance against Kambosos, which many considered one of the best fights of his career. His withdrawal came after a heated buildup with Duarte, who was riding a four-fight win streak and looking to capitalize on his knockout loss to Ryan Garcia in 2023.
The sudden absence of Hitchins leaves a significant void in the fight card, which was already headlined by the much-hyped Barrios vs. Garcia main event. While organizers scrambled to address the situation, fans were left speculating about whether this might mark the end of Hitchins' title reign or signal a potential rematch between him and Duarte in the future.
The impact of this decision extends beyond just the fight card itself. For sports enthusiasts, it highlights the unpredictable nature of professional boxing, where even the most promising matchups can fall apart due to unforeseen circumstances. With no immediate clarity on Hitchins' health or when he might return to the ring, fans are left wondering how this turn of events will shape the junior-welterweight division.
For those tuning in to DAZN for the event, the focus now shifts entirely to the main event between Barrios and Garcia, which remains unchanged. However, the unexpected twist adds another layer of intrigue to what was already shaping up to be an unforgettable night in Las Vegas. The loss of Hitchins' title defense leaves a void that may take time to fill, but it underscores just how crucial every matchup can be in the ever-evolving world of boxing
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/21/2026