Ryan Garcia Defeats Mario Barrios in Unanimous Decision Victory to Claim WBC Welterweight Crown

Garcia vs Barrios

Last night on February 21, Ryan Garcia challenged Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. Garcia landed an overhead right in the opening minute of the first round, flooring Barrios. This set the tone for the rest of the fight, as Garcia was able to use his jab and footwork, keeping Barrios at bay. Garcia landed combinations throughout the fight, cruising to a lopsided unanimous decision victory. After 12 rounds of action, Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 118-109, Tim Cheatham 119-108, and David Sutherland scored a shutout, 120-107. Garcia subsequently won his first world title at the age of 27.

Whats Next?

The Welterweight Division is filled with potential matchups for the game Ryan Garcia. He will likely take some time off after an apparent right hand injury during the bout last night. As for future opponents, theres many avenues he can pursue. The obvious answer is a 147 Unification fight with Devin Haney, the reigning WBO Welterweight Champion. Another option is to rematch Rolando Romero, the WBO Welterweight Champion who defeated Ryan Garcia via decision last May in Times Square. Another fascinating matchup is a fight against four weight world champion Shakur Stevenson. Stevenson was present at the fight last night and was even called out by Garcia in the post fight press conference. Shakur is currently campaigning at 140, however, and would have to move up for the matchup to take place.