Ryan Garcia Wins World Title

Ryan "KingRy" Garcia Wins World Title in Las Vegas

(Photos by Al Applerose)

By Uppercut Magazine staff

LAS VEGAS-Within two minutes of the fight Ryan “KingRy” Garcia demonstrated why many predicted world title capabilities as he pummeled champion Mario Barrios with speedy blows that sent him to the canvas and titillated the crowd into a frenzy before eventually winning the WBC welterweight title by unanimous decision.

Speed kills.

Garcia (25-2, 20 Kos) finally captured the WBC world title by defeating veteran Barrios (29-3-2, 18 Kos) who had previously successfully defended ownership three times until Saturday Feb. 21, at T-Mobile Arena.

The world title was finally Garcias at last.

The 27-year-old Victorville, California native had exhibited breath-taking fighting skills for years beginning with a first round demolition of Romero Duno in 2019 in Las Vegas. At that moment many predicted a world championship for Garcia.

The lanky fighter with movie star looks then demolished Costa Rica’s Francisco Fonseca in one round again. That sparked talks for a world title reign even more. But when he was knocked down against England’s Luke Campbell and rallied for a knockout win there was no question Garcia was capable of a world title.

A loss against Gervonta Davis in April 2023 set back world title places but the ability for Garcia to attract ticket-buying fans and pay-per-views proved Garcia was a star attraction and a money-maker.

When Garcia challenged Devon Haney for the and knocked down the then super lightweight champion twice and emerged the winner by decision, it was thought his moment at the mountaintop had been reached. But a positive PED test forced the match to be declared a No Contest – No Decision.

Garcia then met Rolly Romero in New York and was knocked down and lost by decision in a surprisingly underwhelming performance.

Not so, in Las Vegas against Barrios.

Garcia immediately erupted with his blinding speed and power that hammered Barrios to the canvas with an overhand right that caused an eruption of cheers and awe from the sold-out crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. For the remainder of the fight, it was evident that Garcia had too much power and speed and nearly shut out Barrios to take the WBC welterweight title away from the worthy Barrios. A new king was crowned.

A new king and possible claimant has the face of boxing has emerged. Garcia along with his father and trainer Henry Garcia had reached the highest plateau in winning the WBC welterweight championship.

Golden Boy Promotions signed Garcia in December 2016. One decade later Garcia proved he was the anchor of their company and potentially an anchor for the sport of boxing. Only time will tell.