Boxing analysis: What’s next for Ryan Garcia after win over Mario Barrios?
On Saturday, February 21, Ryan Garcia became the WBC welterweight world champion after defeating Mexican champion Mario Barrios by unanimous decision.
Garcia sealed the victory in style, dropping Barrios in the 12th round and winning comfortably on the scorecards. It marks the first time Garcia has captured a world title.
Now the big question is: what’s next for Garcia?
Sports News Blitz’s boxing writer, Jonathon House, gives his thoughts.
The Shakur Stevenson superfight
Immediately after the fight, Garcia called out Shakur Stevenson, who recently defeated Teofimo Lopez.
That would be a fascinating matchup.
Stevenson is currently the WBO super lightweight champion, so a clash at welterweight could make sense commercially and competitively.
Stylistically, it’s an intriguing fight - Stevenson’s defensive brilliance and ring IQ against Garcia’s explosive speed and power. It would undoubtedly draw huge attention.
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Conor Benn: Big business, but competitive?
Another name that makes sense is Conor Benn, who recently left Eddie Hearn and signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
A welterweight showdown between Benn and Garcia would generate serious interest, particularly if Dana White were able to secure Garcia’s signature in the future.
However, is it the right fight?
In my opinion, Benn isn’t quite on Garcia’s level yet.
Garcia’s speed and timing would pose major problems, and Benn has never faced anyone with that kind of hand speed.
While it’s a big commercial fight, competitively, it may not be as evenly matched as some would hope.
Garcia is currently signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, where he has spent most of his career.
With Zuffa Boxing now entering the market and signing big names like Benn, there is always the possibility of promotional shifts, which could open new doors.
Other options
Teofimo Lopez is another interesting option. Lopez is explosive and unpredictable, while Garcia is lightning-fast with sharp combinations.
It may not carry the same hype as Stevenson or Benn, but stylistically, it could be one of the most exciting fights available.
Devin Haney also remains in the conversation.
Garcia previously defeated Haney by majority decision, but the result was later overturned to a no-contest following Garcia’s failed drug test.
A rematch would bring built-in narrative and serious intrigue.
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The most likely outcome
For me, the most likely and most compelling next fight is Shakur Stevenson.
It’s the matchup that makes the most sense, both in terms of legacy and fan demand.
Garcia has said he’ll fight anyone, but Stevenson appears to be the name he truly wants.
One thing is certain. There is no shortage of big fights available for Ryan Garcia, and whichever direction he chooses, the welterweight division just got a lot more interesting.
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