A little over a year ago, Ryan Garcia was banned by the World Boxing Commission (WBC) after the speedy boxer was caught using racial slurs aimed at Muslims and African Americans, with many saying “King Ry” wasn’t mentally well after his bizarre outburst. The ban meant that Garcia wasn’t able to compete for any WBC titles. For his part, Garcia apologized for his words and claimed he was just “trolling”
“I was trolling I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”
Fast forward to present day, and Garcia is now back in the good graces of the WBC after his ban was lifted 15 months after it was initially set.
“The WBC Board of Governors has voted in favor of Lifting the ban on Ryan Garcia after his successful process which had been documented, wrote WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, on social media. “The WBC has been very close to Ryan, his family, management and promoter and we trust a new life inside and outside the ring will begin. We welcome you with open arms and trust you will be an ambassador for the new generation.”
Garcia was elated at the news and offered up his own response, also on social media.
“I’m officially un-banned from the WBC I want to thank the WBC for seeing my efforts of change and making this decision. I’m ready to put that green and gold belt on and representing as a true champion.”
Earlier this week, reports surfaced regarding a potential fight between Garcia and WBC Welterweight champion, Mario Barrios, for the first part of 2026.
“Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios are closing in on a deal for a WBC welterweight title fight in the first quarter of 2026, sources told Ring Magazine,” wrote Mike Coppinger. “Officials from Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy, and PBC have been exchanging contracts, per sources.”
The decision to grant Garcia a title shot is a rather odd one seeing as how he is coming off unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Rolando Romero in May 2025, putting him at 1-2-1 in his last four fights. Prior to that, he had his dominant and exciting win over Devin Haney overturned to a No Contest (NC) after he failed pre and post-fight drug tests, which resulted in a one-year suspension.
As for Barrios, his last two fights have resulted in draws, as he was last seen fighting to a majority draw against Manny Pacquiao in July of this year. Prior to that, he fought to a split draw against Abel Ramos. Before those two draws, he was on a three-fight win streak
Now, both men are aiming to get back into the win column for the first time in a while as the two hard-hitting pugilists hope to put on a show to kick off 2026. That said, care to offer your prediction for this potential hard-hitting affair?
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