Ryan Garcia delivered a statement performance in Las Vegas, dismantling Mario Barrios to seize the WBC welterweight crown. Immediately afterward, he revealed a bold target, turning attention toward Shakur Stevenson as his preferred next opponent.
Garcia controlled the bout from the outset, using speed and sharp combinations to neutralize Barrios across all 12 rounds. Judges returned wide scorecards, confirming a dominant display that elevated him to champion status at 147 pounds.
The new titleholder wasted no time addressing the future. Speaking in the ring, Garcia issued a direct public challenge to Stevenson, signaling his desire for a high-profile clash that would test him against another elite name.
“They know what I want. Shakur Stevenson, let’s go,” Garcia said in a short and forceful way to light up the T-Mobile Arena.
Stevenson attended the event, observing quietly as the callout echoed through the arena. Fresh off a major win over Teofimo Lopez, he has momentum and no confirmed upcoming bout, making negotiations plausible.
Garcia beats Barrios to return to boxing glory
Garcia‘s performance featured tactical maturity as well as power. Early knockdowns set the tone, after which he maintained pressure with varied attacks to the head and body, preventing Barrios from establishing rhythm or sustained offense.
Despite injuring his right hand during the contest, Garcia remained composed, continuing to dictate distance and tempo. The injury likely spared Barrios from a stoppage, yet it did not diminish the clarity of the result.
“It was one of the fights where I wanted to show you my whole arsenal,” Garcia said. “I believe it was like a master class, but I should have got the knockout, to be honest.
“It wasn’t just a left hook. Y’all were saying watch out for my left hook the whole time, but you saw my right hand working tonight.”
The victory carries broader significance given Garcia‘s turbulent recent years, including defeats, controversy, and suspension. Capturing a world title validates his return and reinforces his commercial and competitive standing.
A potential meeting with Stevenson would involve weight negotiations, though Garcia has competed successfully in nearby divisions before. He indicated willingness to adjust, emphasizing ambition over logistical obstacles.
If arranged, the matchup would pit two technically gifted fighters at or near their primes. For Garcia, it represents both a legacy opportunity and a chance to solidify his resurgence atop boxing’s landscape.
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