Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia | DAZN - 21 February 2026

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Round-by-Round starts here




RYAN GARCIA, MARIO BARRIOS CLOSING IN ON DEAL FOR TITLE FIGHT

Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios are closing in on a deal for a WBC welterweight title fight in the first quarter of next year, sources told The Ring.

Officials from Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy, and PBC have been exchanging contracts, per sources.

Last month, Garcia said he was interested in challenging Barrios for his 147-pound title. Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) was held to a draw against the legendary Manny Pacquiao in a July title defense in Las Vegas. The fight was the 46-year-old Pacquiao’s first in nearly four years as he came out of retirement.

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) is one boxing’s top stars, but he’s never won a world title. In his first title challenge, he was stopped by Gervonta Davis in a 2023 super fight. Garcia was at a serious disadvantage in that matchup as he faced Davis at 135 pounds with a rehydration clause.

Garcia, 27, is coming off a shocking upset loss to Rolly Romero in May, a Ring Magazine main event that took place in Times Square. Romero won the decision and the vacant WBA interim welterweight title; he was later upgraded to world titleholder as Jaron Ennis moved up in weight.

Barrios has a stoppage loss against Davis on his record, too. The 30-year-old from San Antonio was also held to a draw in his most recent fight before facing Pacquiao, against Abel Ramos in November 2024.

Garcia, sources confirmed, has been approached by Jake Paul’s team about the possibility of replacing Davis in a Netflix exhibition event that could be shifted to December.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix first reported that Garcia’s team was approached regarding the Paul event.

Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, said Saturday on social media that Garcia isn’t an option to face Paul due to Golden Boy’s contract with DAZN while, “Paul fights on Netflix.”

Devin Haney is scheduled to challenge Brian Norman Jr. for a welterweight title on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, part of the stacked The Ring IV card.

If both Haney and Garcia win, a welterweight title unification rematch would stand as one of boxing's biggest fights.

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Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia talks mark latest entry in PBC’s welterweight saga

A welterweight title fight is destined to headline Premier Boxing Champions’ first major event of 2026.

For now, the process remains a revolving door.

Boxing Scene has learned that PBC has shifted its energy to a planned showdown between WBC 147lbs titlist Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia. The two sides have been in talks and working on terms for a clash eyed for the first quarter of the new year, confirming an earlier report from Ring Magazine.

Should the event move forward, it would serve as a jointly distributed pay-per-view event between Amazon’s Prime Video – PBC’s current platform – and DAZN, given its existing contract with Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions.

Working out terms for the joint venture is not as problematic, however, as gaining proper sanctioning for the proposed title fight.

Barrios, 29-2-2 (18 KOs), would enter the third defense of his current reign, should a deal be reached and if the WBC is on board to sanction the fight.

On Monday evening, WBC head Mauricio Sulaiman announced that the sanctioning body would reinstate Garcia, who had been removed after uttering racial slurs on social media.

Garcia, 24-2 (20 KOs), is not currently ranked in any weight division by the WBC. There are not any grounds for the Victorville, California, native to magically enter the top 15; he dropped a lopsided decision to Rolando “Rolly” Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), in a secondary WBA welterweight title fight on May 2 in New York City.

The bout was the first for Garcia since his controversial clash with Devin Haney in April 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. Garcia badly blew weight for the WBC junior welterweight title fight, then subsequently tested positive for the banned substance ostarine. The development resulted in a one-year suspension issued by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also nullified the original majority decision win for Garcia.

All told, Garcia has not won a fight since a December 2023 knockout over Oscar Duarte, another fight whose weight limit was altered from the original contracted terms prior to fight night. The win over Duarte is Garcia’s only victory over his past four fights; it came eight months after his April 2023 knockout loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

The event with Davis is why Garcia remains in the conversation for any fight in and around the 147lbs division. The two fought in front of a sold-out crowd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ticket sales were estimated at $22.8 million, in addition to more than $100 million from 1.2 million PPV units sold.

Conversely, Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao underperformed by most measures. It was enough to express concern while eyeing the possibility of Pacquiao challenging for Romero’s full version of the WBA 147lbs title. The two were once on course for a fight date in late January, but talks were never finalized and it appears that both fighters – and PBC – are onto new business.

As reported by BS and elsewhere, Pacquiao is now in talks to face fellow Hall of Fame legend Floyd Mayweather in what would be a rematch to their May 2015 blockbuster clash. Should the two reach an accord, the fight would air on Netflix; their original meeting remains the highest-grossing event in boxing history, with more than $600 million generated between the PPV event and the live gate at MGM Grand.

Meanwhile, Romero remains strapped to a mandatory title defense against Shakhram Giyasov, 17-0 (10 KOs), whose team is adamant in forcing the fight. The two sides have until November 13 to reach terms for the overdue mandatory, which Romero inherited when he was upgraded to full from WBA “World” titlist.

It paints a grim picture for the prospects of Romero-Pacquiao moving forward – but now opens the door for Barrios-Garcia, pending resolution of all external issues.

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Ryan Garcia Thanks WBC As Ban Lifted, Contender Free To Fight For Their Title

Ryan Garcia has found a way to get back in the WBC's good graces.

Last July, the sanctioning body expelled Garcia from any activity with the organization after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and insulting remarks towards Muslims and Jewish people in comments livestreamed on social media.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty last summer, condemning Garcia's behaviour saying: "We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan's wellbeing as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse."

Quietly however, Garcia has seemingly taken the necessary steps behind-the-scenes for the sanctioning body to accept him back into the fold, allowing the former 135-pound interim champion fight for their title and appear in their world rankings once more in future.

Sulaiman made the announcement on his X account, saying: "The WBC Board of Governors has voted in favor of lifting the ban on Ryan Garcia after his successful process which had been documented. The WBC has been very close to Ryan, his family, management, 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."

Sulaiman's confirmation comes at an interesting time, given The Ring's recent report that Garcia and reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios are engaged in talks.

As long as those discussions continue to progress well, the two could meet up in a world title matchup in the first quarter of 2026. Things might be going well for Garcia outside of the ring as he prepares to return from injury, but inside of it, things have been downhill.

Although viewed as a huge favorite over Rolando Romero on May 2 in New York’s Times Square, Garcia was dropped early en route to losing a fairly wide decision during their main event matchup. Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) meanwhile, hasn't looked great either.

In his last two appearances, he was forced to settle for consecutive draws. The first came against Abel Ramos in November 2024. The second was against a returning Hall of Famer in the 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, who ended a near four-year layoff in July.

Although Garcia and the WBC haven’t seen eye-to-eye in the past, the 27-year-old contender wants to put that behind him and focus on winning his first full world title.

"I'm officially unbanned from the WBC," Garcia wrote on his X account. "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, representing as a true champion."

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Mario Barrios recruits Joe Goossen and touts VADA testing for Ryan Garcia fight

Mario Barrios, who attended the Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz-Lamont Roach Jnr card in San Antonio on Saturday, announced on the Prime Video broadcast that he has changed trainers.

Barrios, who will defend his welterweight title against popular contender Ryan Garcia on February 21, said he left trainer Bob Santos for Hall of Fame cornerman Joe Goossen, who formerly trained Garcia.

“Knowing what he brings as a trainer, we can do big things,” Barrios said of Goossen, who has been in training with Barrios for two weeks.

Said Goossen, “We’re working on perfection right now”, with sparring to start in a couple weeks.

Barrios, who is coming off consecutive draws against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao, says the “intangibles” make a defense against Garcia an intriguing event. The Las Vegas bout will be Garcia’s third world title shot, after the first two were unsuccessful.

Additionally, after Garcia’s positive tests for the banned PED ostarine – which ultimately led to a no-contest after he knocked down three-division champion Devin Haney three times last year – Barrios said there will be Voluntary Anti Doping Association (VADA) testing for their bout.

“Ryan will follow through in the right way,” Barrios said. I don’t think there’ll be anything to worry about.”

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Jose Armando Resendiz vs Edgar Berlanga reportedly leads Barrios vs Garcia undercard

Two other title fights will join Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia this February, one significantly better than the other

If Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia didn’t satisfy your craving for awful title fights, have I got some good news for you. Per Julius Julianis, newly elevated WBA super middleweight champion Jose Armando Resendiz will make his inaugural defense against Edgar Berlanga on that same February 21st undercard.

The WBA has been Up To its Old Bullshit for a hot minute now and this still sucks. Berlanga (23-2, 18 KO) is 1-2 in his last three, a farcical finish of Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz sandwiched between one-sided losses to Canelo Alvarez and Hamzah Sheeraz. Those aren’t losses to be ashamed of, obviously, but in no universe should he be getting a title shot on the heels of an absolute thrashing.

It’s not like he’s anywhere near the top of the rankings, either; he’s at a generous no. 12 behind significantly more deserving contenders like no. 2 Bektemir Melikuziev. This is Matchroom recognizing Resendiz (16-2, 11 KO), who upset Caleb Plant this year but got tuned up by another disappointment in Elijah Garcia three fights back, as Berlanga’s one and only chance at a real title and throwing its weight around to give him the opportunity.

Personally, I’m still hoping that Souleymane Cissokho goes nuclear, invokes the Ali act, and ruins this whole card.

In a break from the theme, the actually pretty solid WBA super lightweight title bout between Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1, 17 KO) and mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KO) gets a new home after falling off of the doomed Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis card. Super middleweight standout Lester Martinez, last seen trading concussions with Christian Mbilli in one of 2025’s Fights of the Year, battles TBA.

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Jose Armando Resendiz vs Edgar Berlanga reportedly leads Barrios vs Garcia undercard

Two other title fights will join Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia this February, one significantly better than the other

If Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia didn’t satisfy your craving for awful title fights, have I got some good news for you. Per Julius Julianis, newly elevated WBA super middleweight champion Jose Armando Resendiz will make his inaugural defense against Edgar Berlanga on that same February 21st undercard.

The WBA has been Up To its Old Bullshit for a hot minute now and this still sucks. Berlanga (23-2, 18 KO) is 1-2 in his last three, a farcical finish of Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz sandwiched between one-sided losses to Canelo Alvarez and Hamzah Sheeraz. Those aren’t losses to be ashamed of, obviously, but in no universe should he be getting a title shot on the heels of an absolute thrashing.

It’s not like he’s anywhere near the top of the rankings, either; he’s at a generous no. 12 behind significantly more deserving contenders like no. 2 Bektemir Melikuziev. This is Matchroom recognizing Resendiz (16-2, 11 KO), who upset Caleb Plant this year but got tuned up by another disappointment in Elijah Garcia three fights back, as Berlanga’s one and only chance at a real title and throwing its weight around to give him the opportunity.

Personally, I’m still hoping that Souleymane Cissokho goes nuclear, invokes the Ali act, and ruins this whole card.

In a break from the theme, the actually pretty solid WBA super lightweight title bout between Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1, 17 KO) and mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KO) gets a new home after falling off of the doomed Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis card. Super middleweight standout Lester Martinez, last seen trading concussions with Christian Mbilli in one of 2025’s Fights of the Year, battles TBA.

Jose Armando Resendiz officially elevated to WBA champion, must fight Bektemir Melikuziev

Seems like Jose Armando Resendiz won’t be fighting Edgar Berlanga after all

So long and good riddance to that Berlanga fight, apparently. Fernando Sabatini reports that the WBA has officially elevated former interim super middleweight champion Jose Armando Resendiz to replace the departing Terence Crawford, ordering “Toro” to take on mandatory challenger Bektemir Melikuziev in the process.

Resendiz (16-2, 11 KO), a longtime middleweight whose best prior victory came over the shell of Jarrett Hurd, derailed PBC’s long-percolating plan to pit Caleb Plant against Jermall Charlo by outfoxing and overpowering “Sweethands” for the belt in May. He can now officially call himself a world champion, and while it’s easy to write him off as a fluke, it’s wroth remembering he’s just 26 and less than 20 fights into his pro career. Every reason to believe he’s a late bloomer.

“Bek the Bully” (16-1, 10 KO) has fallen a bit short of expectations, but he remains a skilled, powerful, and fan-friendly fighter when he’s on his game. After coming in heavy in an underwhelming split decision over David Stevens two Novembers ago, he showed his grit with a last-round knockdown of Darrius Fulghum to seal the deal in a May eliminator.

Neither of these guys are going to be challenging for the undisputed title anytime soon, but it’s a well-matched scrap with Fight of the Year of the Week potential. I’m here for it.

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WBC’s Sulaiman Defends Sanctioning Barrios-Garcia As welterweight Title Fight

Mauricio Sulaiman understands the criticism his sanctioning organization has taken for approving a welterweight title bout between champion Mario Barrios and previously unranked Ryan Garcia.

The WBC president nonetheless defended its decision to move forward with the fight. They’re expected to meet February 21 at a venue to be announced.

“I don’t think anyone can even question that he has the ability to win that fight,” Sulaiman told The Ring regarding Garcia. “It’s a different scenario if he was a non-proven fighter, but Ryan Garcia is an elite fighter. He can certainly win the fight. You cannot only be judged by your last performance. It’s certainly something to consider, but his overall track record is that of a very good, elite fighter.”

Garcia’s marketability is an undeniable, important component to promoting his bout with Barrios as a pay-per-view main event. His star status notwithstanding, Garcia’s accomplishments in the ring the past two-plus years don’t appear to warrant a shot at Barrios’ belt in his next fight.

The Victorville, California, native was an 11-1 favorite to beat Rolando Romero eight months ago. He dropped Garcia with a right hand in the second round and defeated his rival on all three scorecards in the 12-round main event of The Ring’s pay-per-view show May 2 in New York.

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) hasn’t fought since the setback. He had surgery on his right hand, which he said was damaged before he faced Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) and hindered him.

Still, Garcia, 27, hasn’t won a fight at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds, never held a title other than the WBC interim lightweight championship and served a one-year suspension prior to meeting Romero for a failed performance-enhancing drug test after he defeated Devin Haney in April 2024 (overturned to a no-contest).

The New York State Athletic Commission fined Garcia $1.2 million in addition to his one-year suspension. Garcia also came in more than three pounds overweight for what was supposed to be a 140-pound title fight with Haney.

Garcia’s boorish behavior before and after he faced Haney, including an arrest for felony vandalism at a Beverly Hills hotel in June 2024, prompted the WBC to ban him 18 months ago. That suspension was lifted as part of the decision to sign off on his shot at San Antonio’s Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), who settled for a majority draw with then-46-year-old Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) on July 19 in Las Vegas.

“Well, we have absolutely a track record of being very close to Ryan Garcia’s career for many years,” Sulaiman said. “We have been public about his mental wellness situation for many years. Before the fight with Haney, we were very open and very concerned about what was happening after the press conference, which I attended. And we did everything possible to address that matter before the fight. After the fight, the PED violation became public. And especially his behavior and his complete outbursts that we all know about, the WBC decided to expel him from the WBC. But we always kept close to him, and we always continued to offer help and support, and kept the door open for him to get better, which he did.

“And we believe in opportunities. We all deserve a second opportunity in life. We all deserve an opportunity to redeem [ourselves], to take the proper course of life. And that’s what the WBC did. We were criticized for giving Manny Pacquiao an opportunity, claiming different things, and you saw the performance against Barrios. So, I feel very strong and proud of welcoming a kid who deserves another opportunity, who has battled strongly against the demons of addictions and [for his] mental wellness. And I’m proud to give him an opportunity to fight for the WBC title.”

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Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte in advanced talks for Barrios-Garcia show

Richardson Hitchins is on course to win his race against the clock.

Boxing Scene has learned that the unbeaten IBF 140lbs titlist and his team are in advanced talks for a title defense against Mexico’s Oscar Duarte. Once finalized, the bout will land on the soon-to-be-announced February 21 Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia pay-per-view card in Las Vegas, Nevada.

ESPN Knockout’s Salvador “Chava” Rodriguez first reported that the fight was on the table.

As previously reported by Boxing Scene, Hitchins, 20-0 (8 KOs), was granted the boxing equivalent of a stay of execution before the IBF would order a mandatory title defense.

There were talks of a possible showdown with former title challenger Frank Martin, 19-1 (13 KOs), who is with Premier Boxing Champions, as is Barrios. The matchup placement would have made sense given that connection. However, Martin is not currently in the IBF top 15 at 140lbs (or at any weight), a qualifier for sanctioning bodies to approve a title fight.

Hitchins previously agreed to next defend his title versus Jamaine Ortiz on January 31 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, mere miles from his Brooklyn hometown. In fact,

Both boxers were under the belief the fight would move forward, before Hitchins was removed from the show upon its official announcement.

Ortiz will instead face Keyshawn Davis in a non-title fight.

Talks quickly shifted to Duarte, 30-2-1 (23 KOs), another matchup that makes sense given his promotional alliance. Duarte and Garcia are both with Golden Boy Promotions, and in fact met in December 2023. Garcia won the bout via eighth-round knockout, which at the time ended Duarte’s 11-fight win streak – all inside the distance.

Duarte has since put together an impressive four-fight run. It began with a stoppage victory over former 130lbs titlist Joseph Diaz in April 2024, followed by a points win over two-time title challenger Batyr Akhmedov later that November.

Two more wins were added in 2025. Duarte turned away Miguel Madueño, a late replacement for former two-time titleholder Regis Prograis, inside of seven rounds last February 15 in Anaheim, California. In his most notable victory to date, Duarte edged Kenneth Sims Jnr over 12-rounds last August 2 on the road in Sims’ hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

Hitchins – who represented Haiti in the 2016 Rio Olympics - claimed the IBF junior welterweight title in a December 2024 win over Liam Paro in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Just one defense has followed thus far, an 8th round stoppage of former lineal and unified 135lbs champion George Kambosos last June 14 at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City.

Should this fight fall through for any reason, Hitchins will then have to enter negotiations with mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado, 24-0 (16 KOs), also a 2016 Rio Olympian who represented Mexico.

A reached agreement will provide a third title fight to the Barrios-Garcia lineup, and second at 140lbs. Also targeted for the show, WBA titleholder Gary Antuanne Russell is due to face Japan’s Andy Hiraoka, his overdue mandatory challenger.

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Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia headlines 'The Ring: High Stakes' on Feb. 21

Mario Barrios will defend his WBC welterweight title against Ryan Garcia on February 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, it was announced on Monday.

The bout between Barrios and Garcia has been in the works since early November, but Monday’s announcement revealed that the fight will headline “The Ring: High Stakes” show on DAZN.

“This is my division, my time, and I’m ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here,” said Barrios.

“I will be world champion on February 21," countered Garcia.

Barrios and Garcia are both looking to get back into the win column following a recent run of mixed results.

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) is coming off a majority draw in July against Manny Pacquiao, a fight many believed the then-46-year-old Filipino legend won. In his previous fight in November 2024, Barrios was dropped and fought to a split draw against Abel Ramos.

Barrios initially picked up the interim version of the WBC belt in September 2024 courtesy of a unanimous decision win against Fabian Maidana. Barrios was elevated to the sanctioning body’s full titleholder once former undisputed champion Terence Crawford left the division. The 30-year-old San Antonio native is The Ring’s No. 10-rated fighter at 147 pounds. Barrios scored a career-best win against Yordenis Ugas in 2023, and his losses have come against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.

To prepare for the occasion against Garcia, Barrios has linked up with his rival’s former coach Joe Goossen. Garcia and Goossen had a three-fight run that ended in 2023 following a knockout loss to Gervonta Davis.

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs, 1 NC) last fought in May on The Ring's Times Square card and suffered a knockdown and unanimous decision defeat against Rolando Romero during his welterweight debut.

The matchup marked Garcia’s first fight since serving a one-year suspension due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drug Ostarine following his three-knockdown, majority decision win against Devin Haney, a result that was later ruled a No Contest.

Garcia has secured only one win since 2023, an eighth-round knockout and career-best victory against Oscar Duarte.

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Garcia to face WBC welterweight champion Barrios

Ryan Garcia will challenge WBC welterweight champion and fellow American Mario Barrios at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 21 February.

Former interim lightweight champion Garcia, 27, lost against Rolando Romero in May and has not won since December 2023.

Garcia was given a one-year ban for failing a drugs test in 2024 after beating Devin Haney, but the victory was overturned and the fight deemed a no contest.

"I will be world champion on February 21," Garcia said.

Barrios, 30, said: "This is my division, my time, and I'm ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here."

Barrios was upgraded from interim to full WBC champion in June 2024 and has made two successful defences via draws.

He retained his title with a majority draw against 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao in July.

Barrios has won 29 of his 33 fights, with 18 victories by knockout.

"Becoming WBC welterweight world champion was more than a moment - it was a promise to my family, my city and everyone who believed in the grind when no-one was watching," he said.

"San Antonio built me, and every sacrifice I've made comes with me into that ring."

Garcia's meeting with Haney in April 2024 was scheduled to be for the WBC light-welterweight title, but Garcia missed weight and was not eligible to win the belt.

He has sealed 20 of his 24 victories by knockout.

In December the WBC confirmed Britain's Conor Benn as number one in the welterweight rankings. He could be next in line to face the winner of Barrios-Garcia.

Benn said at the time he would be "watching closely".

"I'll be coming for that belt and Britain will have a new world champion," he said on Instagram.

[Taansend]

I would love to go to this.

If there are $50 tickets I might.

I still haven't seen a Vegas fight. And there's a good Indian restaurant there too.

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UNDERCARD FEATURES TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS

A pair of 140-pound world title fights top the undercard of Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia on February 21.

Richardson Hitchins will defend his IBF title against Oscar Duarte in the co-feature, while the long-awaited bout between WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell and mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka is also on the card. Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright and Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sena Agbeko round out the undercard.

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) and Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) will meet in the main event of The Ring: High Stakes for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on DAZN PPV.

Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) is coming off a dominating eighth-round stoppage of former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos in his first title defense on June 14 in New York. The Brooklyn, New York, native won the title via a split decision victory over Liam Paro in 2024.

Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs) will be getting his first shot at a world title against Hitchins. The rugged, come-forward pressure fighter from Mexico, has won four straight fights since an eighth-round knockout loss to Garcia in 2023. Duarte enters the clash against Hitchins on the heels of a majority decision victory over Kenneth Sims Jr.

Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) and Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs) were scheduled to fight on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis on Nov. 14 in Miami before Davis’ legal troubles caused the whole card to be postponed. Russell, a dynamic southpaw from Capitol Heights, Maryland, won the title in his last fight with a thorough beating of Jose Valenzuela on March 1.

Hiraoka of Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, who is a towering 5-foot-11½, will be fighting for the first time in 17 months when he steps into the ring against Russell. The Japanese southpaw is coming off a ninth-round stoppage of Ismael Barroso to become the mandatory challenger for the WBA title.

Martin (19-1, 13 KOs) and Albright (17-2, 7 KOs) enter their match coming off impressive wins. Martin delivered a knockout of the year contender with his devastating fourth-round stoppage of Rances Barthelemy on Dec. 6. Albright upset the previously unbeaten Kelvin Davis with a majority decision win on June 7.

Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KOs) enters the clash versus Agbeko after a dramatic unanimous decision over Darius Fulghum. The southpaw from Uzbekistan dropped Fulghum (14-1-1, 12 KOs) in the final round to win 114-112 on all three scorecards.

Agbeko (29-4, 23 KOs), of Accra, Ghana, last fought in 2024, defeating Pierre Williams by first-round knockout. In the two fights preceding, he suffered second-round stoppage losses to David Morrell and Osleys Iglesias.

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Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia undercard lineup

Richardson Hitchins will defend his IBF super lightweight (140 lbs) title against Oscar Duarte. Hitchins (20-0, 8 KO) will be a clear favorite here, but Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KO) has won four in a row and, as much as anyone does, has earned a shot at this belt, he did what was asked.

Gary Antuanne Russell will defend the WBA super lightweight title against Andy Hiraoka. This fight was meant to happen in December, back when Jake Paul was still scheduled to “fight” Gervonta Davis, but we’ll get it in February instead. Russell (18-1, 17 KO) hasn’t fought since taking that belt from Jose Valenzuela, and it will be just shy of a year out of the ring when he fights next month, but that’s pretty tame for a Russell, honestly. Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KO) has built up his record against largely soft opposition in Japan, and this will be a chance for him to prove he’s the world class fighter he says he is.

Former lightweight titlist Frank Martin (19-1, 13 KO) will return to face Nahir Albright (17-2, 7 KO) in another 140 lb bout, this one set for 10 rounds. Martin fought in early December, beating Rances Barthelemy after 18 months on the sidelines following his loss to Tank Davis in 2024. Albright is coming off of a win over Kelvin Davis, which was kinda framed as an upset but wasn’t, and then a post-fight scuffle backstage with Kelvin’s brother, Keyshawn, whom he’d faced in his prior bout in 2023. So this will be the first time in nearly three years that Albright has fought someone outside of the Davis family.

Bektemir Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KO) faces Sena Agbeko (29-4, 23 KO) in a super middleweight fight. Melikuziev has won nine straight following his one-punch stunner loss to Gabe Rosado almost five years ago, including beating Rosado in a rematch, but the matchmaking continues to be pretty cautious for the 29-year-old Uzbek, as Golden Boy try to guide him into a world title fight without taking a huge risk. Agbeko is a decent fighter, but was stopped in two by both David Morrell and Osleys Iglesias in 2023-24; those are two really good fighters, but still, he doesn’t have a notable win since 2022, and his two most recent victories both came in two different Sioux City locations, one in Iowa and one in Nebraska, and he hasn’t fought since 2024.

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Garcia was hit with a $5,000 fine and a warning of further disciplinary action after failing to meet the initial deadline for his 14-day WBC mandatory safety rule

[keithmoonhangover]

I would love to go to this.

If there are $50 tickets I might.

I still haven't seen a Vegas fight. And there's a good Indian restaurant there too.

Sounds like a plan. When I first stared working for the NHS, I shared a flat with an Indian dude who made me the best veggie curries I've ever eaten.

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Fight Week!

[Taansend]

What I want to happen versus what I think will happen

Garcia early KO win. - Draw after 12 low quality rounds.

Hiraoka KO win after a war - Russell on points in a dominating showing, maybe a late stoppage.

Duarte KO 1st - Hitchinson points.

Melikuziev v Agbeko 10 round war. Melikuziev v Agbeko 10 round war.

Frank Martin wins a wide UD then calls out Keyshawn

Arias & Jones have a close 10 round fight, win goes to Jones.

Edwards KO 1

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Irritated Duarte Determined To Silence Talkative Hitchins

Normally, his opponents either laugh off Hitchins’ remarks or pay them no mind. Oscar Duarte, however, has taken offense to Hitchins’ trash talk.

“You talk a lot of s***,” Duarte said during a video posted on his Instagram account. “I’m ready for you. I’ll see you in the fight.”

Brooklyn’s Hitchins, time and time again, has promised to embarrass Duarte on “The Ring: High Stakes” undercard Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The loquacious, 28-year-old IBF junior welterweight champion made some of those same promises to George Kambosos. And, to his credit, he delivered.

But while Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) went on a victory lap following that eighth-round stoppage June 14, Duarte kept a close eye on him. In what now appears to be a calculated move, the highly ranked contender grabbed a majority decision win over Kenneth Sims, who, like Hitchins, is a pure boxer.

Originally, Hitchins, The Ring’s No. 2 ranked 140-pound contender, was hoping to get his hands on a bigger name, mainly the likes of Devin Haney, Keyshawn Davis or Ryan Garcia.

Duarte’s star doesn’t shine quite as bright as those aforementioned names. With that said, he hopes Hitchins isn’t taking him lightly.

“Train hard, I’m ready for my belt,” Duarte said.

Those verbal threats are something Hitchins has grown accustomed to over the years. He merely brushes them off and often boxes his way to a clean decision.

This time around, however, Mexico’s Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs) promised he won’t allow the judges to determine the result of their fight.

“I don’t think he can hang with me for the 12 rounds,” Duarte told Xicana Boxing. “I’m going to go like a train, run him over, run through him.”

DAZN will distribute “The Ring: High Stakes” to non-subscribers on pay-per-view for $69.99 in the United States and £24.99 in the United Kingdom. The show is included in DAZN’s Ultimate monthly plan for subscribers ($44.99; £24.99).

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Abel Ramos: Ryan Garcia Underestimates 'Big Welterweight' Mario Barrios

Ramos was a welterweight for seven years by the time he battled Barrios for the WBC belt in November 2024, yet even he was taken aback by his size once they entered the ring. That will be a significant hindrance, according to Ramos, for the shorter Garcia, who hasn’t experienced any success as a full-fledged welterweight.

“That’s a big advantage [for Barrios],” Ramos told The Ring. “Barrios is big, man. He’s a big welterweight. When I used to look at tapes when I was gonna fight him, he didn’t look that big. But in person, he towered over me. On fight night, he puts on weight, too. He’s more natural at that weight.”

Ramos, who fought Barrios to a split draw, also gathers Garcia is overconfident in advance of their main event on “The Ring: High Stakes” card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Barrios stands 6 feet, approximately three inches taller than the fast-handed, strong Garcia, and has competed six times at the welterweight limit.

“Barrios is being underestimated,” Ramos said. “He’s tall, he’s lanky, he’s big, he puts on a lotta weight on fight night. So, that’s something Ryan is overlooking.”

DraftKings lists Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs), of Victorville, California, as more than 2-1 favorite to beat Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs). San Antonio’s Barrios has taken offense to the perception that he is the easiest mark among boxing’s four welterweight titleholders, something Ramos disputed.

“It’s looking like a 50-50 fight to me,” Ramos said. “I’m gonna lean towards Barrios a little bit because of the type of fighters he fought. And basing it on their last performances as well, I think Barrios did a little better than Ryan did against Rolly [Romero]. I’m leaning towards Mario a little bit more, and hopefully I can get the winner of that match.”

Garcia was an 11-1 favorite over Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), who knocked him down in the second round and won by unanimous decision in the main event of The Ring’s card May 2 in New York.

Garcia, 27, will fight for the first time since Romero upset him. Barrios, 30, has settled for draws in his past two fights, most recently with Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs), who was 46 when they met July 19 at in Las Vegas.

Ramos and Barrios each scored knockdowns during their thoroughly entertaining bout on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard in Arlington, Texas. Ramos (28-6-3, 22 KOs), of Casa Grande, Arizona, is set to end a 15-month layoff February 28, when he is scheduled to face Philadelphia’s Tahmir Smalls (16-0, 11 KOs) on the Emanuel Navarrete-Eduardo Nunez undercard at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

DAZN will stream the Navarrete-Nunez card to all subscribers.

The streaming service will also distribute “The Ring: High Stakes” to non-subscribers on pay-per-view for $69.99 in the United States and £24.99 in the United Kingdom. The card headlined by Barrios-Garcia is included in DAZN’s Ultimate monthly plan for subscribers ($44.99; £24.99).

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Ryan Garcia promises a masterclass against Mario Barrios

Garcia promised to deliver one of his best performances against the WBC welterweight champion in the main event of "The Ring: High Stakes" on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena on DAZN PPV. “Ferociousness,“ Garcia told The Ring on Wednesday. “A great fight [and a] masterclass and Ryan Garcia classic. Trust me when I say that. You’ll remember this as a Ryan Garcia classic.”

The undercard features a pair of 140-pound world title bouts, with IBF champion Richardson Hitchins facing Oscar Duarte and WBA titleholder Gary Antuanne Russell making the first defense of his belt against Japan’s Andy Hiraoka.

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) enters the clash off an upset unanimous decision defeat to WBA welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero on May 2. The 27-year-old from Victorville, California, will be in his second fight at welterweight and seeking his first win since 2023, when he knocked Duarte out in the eighth round.

As a full-fledged welterweight, Garcia said there's a difference between this camp and when he faced Romero.

“It’s a complete [180],” he said. “Things were done in order [and] done right. This is what it should feel like before a fight — confident and prepared and ready to do my job.”

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), 30, is making the third defense of his belt. The San Antonio native is coming off back-to-back draws, with the latter coming July 19 vs. former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao. Garcia’s former trainer, Joe Goossen, will be in Barrios’ corner for the first time. Garcia and Goossen went 2-1 together.

While Garcia insisted the fight isn’t personal, he also said a win would have a little more meaning beyond being his first world title.

“It makes it that much more satisfying when I do win,” Garcia said. “Especially that whole squad, I know they really think they're gonna do something. It's one of those things when you're playing your own teammate, or you're facing your brother, and you just want to whoop their ass a little bit more.”

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