A former rival of Mario Barrios has sent a worrying message out to Ryan Garcia ahead of his upcoming clash with the welterweight champion.
It has been reported by multiple sources in 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 on July 19 when he fought to a majority 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 has been inactive since he suffered a shock defeat to WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero at Times Square in New York City on May 2.
One man that has experience in sharing the ring with Barrios is Pennsylvania’s Abel Ramos, who was held to a draw when he challenged ‘El Azteca’ for his WBC welterweight title back in November 2024.
In a recent interview with Fight Hype, Ramos admitted that he expects his former rival to defeat Garcia when they inevitably clash, as he talks down the skillset of ‘King Ry’.
“I believe Mario has enough to beat him. Ryan Garcia could [win], I just don’t see too many skills from Ryan you know? So I think Barrios, he should be able to beat him.”
Garcia will have his sights firmly set on finally becoming a world champion when he faces Barrios next year, although the 27-year-old is expected to be met with one of the toughest tests of his career to date.
