Ryan Garcia wrests Mario Barrios' WBC title in one-sided win - ESPN

ESPN

by Andreas Hale

February 22, 2026

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Ryan Garcia achieved a historic milestone in his career by securing the WBC welterweight title with an overwhelming victory over Mario Barrios. In a dominant performance, Garcia dropped Barrios early with a pair of powerful right hands and went on to win by a wide unanimous decision (119-108, 120-107, 118-109). This was perhaps the most complete fight of Garcia's career, showcasing his speed, precision, and adaptability as he relied heavily on his right hand while surprising Barrios with a variety of punches. Despite entering the fight as the champion, Barrios struggled to match Garcia's pace and volume, leading to a one-sided defeat. Garcia's win is significant not only for securing the title but also for reigniting his career after a challenging period. Following losses to Gervonta Davis and Rolly Romero, and a suspension due to a failed drug test in 2024, Garcia faced mounting criticism and controversy, including an arrest for hotel damage and expulsion from the WBC over racial slurs. However, he bounced back with this victory, proving his ability to adapt under pressure. Garcia's return to training with his father,

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/22/2026