Negotiations are in the red zone for Ryan Garcia vs. Mario “El Azteca” Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in the first quarter of 2026, sources tell The Ring. Contracts are being exchanged between Golden Boy (Garcia) and PBC (Barrios), with both sides signaling optimism.
The Stakes
-
Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs): A bona fide star still chasing his first world title. He was stopped by Gervonta Davis at 135 in 2023 under a rehydration clause, and is rebounding from a May upset decision loss to Rolly Romero at 147 (for the vacant WBA interim belt later elevated).