Quick Read
- Ryan Garcia defeated Mario Barrios to become WBC Welterweight World Champion on February 21, 2026, in Las Vegas.
- Devin Haney, a rival and WBO welterweight champion, criticized Garcia’s win, referencing a past doping ban.
- Garcia knocked down Barrios in the first round and dominated the fight, winning by a one-sided decision.
- A potential unification rematch between Haney and Garcia is now highly anticipated.
- Garcia also called out Shakur Stevenson post-fight, who accepted under specific conditions.
LAS VEGAS (Azat TV) – Ryan Garcia claimed the WBC Welterweight World Championship in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with a dominant performance over Mario Barrios. However, the victory was immediately met with sharp criticism from Devin Haney, a fellow top-tier boxer and bitter rival, reigniting a contentious rivalry and setting the stage for a highly anticipated unification bout in the welterweight division.
Garcia, 28, secured a one-sided decision win, knocking down Barrios in the opening round and controlling the fight throughout. The victory marks Garcia’s first official win since 2023, solidifying his position among the division’s best. Despite the clear victory, Devin Haney, who holds the WBO welterweight title after an impressive win over Brian Norman Jr. in November of last year, took to social media platform X to cast doubt on Garcia’s achievement, referencing his past failed doping test.
Haney’s Sharp Reaction to Garcia’s Title Win
Moments after Garcia was crowned champion, Devin Haney posted, “Ryan off that good juice,” a direct jab at Garcia’s prior doping infraction. This comment refers to Garcia testing positive for Ostarine after their initial fight, which was subsequently overturned to a no contest, leading to a one-year doping ban for Garcia. Haney’s immediate and public reaction underscores the deep-seated animosity between the two fighters.
Garcia’s performance saw him out-land Barrios 185-106 in total punches and 103-43 in power punches, leaving Barrios with no answers. While Garcia’s fans celebrated his new status as a world champion, Haney’s comments quickly shifted the narrative, highlighting the unresolved issues between the two welterweight stars.
The Resurgence of a Bitter Boxing Rivalry
The rivalry between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia has been one of boxing’s most compelling narratives. Their previous encounter, though ultimately ruled a no contest, saw Haney floored three times. Despite the official record being scrubbed, the experience left Haney keen to prove himself if they were to meet again. Garcia’s new WBC title, combined with Haney’s WBO welterweight championship, makes a potential rematch a highly intriguing unification bout.
Devin Haney has been solidifying his status as a top-tier boxer, showcasing speed, skill, and tactical prowess. His recent victory over Brian Norman Jnr to claim the 147lbs title and prior defeat of Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision underscore his dominance in the ring, positioning him as a formidable opponent for any challenge, including a potential showdown with Garcia.
Welterweight Division Heats Up with New Challenges
Beyond the immediate rivalry with Haney, Garcia wasted no time in calling out his next target: Shakur Stevenson. Stevenson, a recently crowned four-weight world champion and a pound-for-pound staple, swiftly accepted the challenge on the DAZN pay-per-view broadcast, laying out two conditions: a 144lbs catchweight and Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) testing. This potential matchup further complicates the welterweight landscape, adding another layer of excitement and anticipation to the division.
The confluence of Garcia’s new title, Haney’s pointed accusations, and Garcia’s immediate call-out of Stevenson suggests a highly dynamic period for the welterweight division, with multiple high-stakes matchups potentially on the horizon that could redefine the top contenders.