Gervonta Davis‘ trainer Calvin Ford has predicted the outcome of a potential clash between Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios.
It has been speculated over the last few weeks that Barrios will make the next defence of his WBC world welterweight title against Garcia in the first quarter of 2026.
‘El Azteca’ was last in action back in July when he fought to a majority decision draw against Filipino great Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As for Garcia, the 27-year-old from California is yet to make a return to the ring since he suffered a shock defeat to WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero at Times Square in New York last May.
Trainer Ford knows what it is like to prepare a fighter to face both Barrios and Garcia, having been in the corner when his man Davis fought the duo in the past, defeating Barrios in 2021 and ‘King Ry’ in 2023.
Speaking to Mill City Boxing, Ford made no mistake in backing Barrios to get the job done over Garcia, as he claims he expects ‘El Azteca’ to grow into the fight into the later rounds.
“I think Barrios. I think if Ryan should win it’ll be in the first three or four rounds by knockout. But if they start going into four, five and six –– the deeper you get into the fight –– the more I lean towards Barrios.”
Garcia has reportedly already signed a contract to face Barrios next, although an official announcement is yet to be made. It has been speculated that the fight will take place in late February, but this is yet to be confirmed by either party.
