Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has spoken out after Ryan Garcia‘s world title shot against Mario Barrios was made official.
Garcia is set to challenge countryman Barrios for his WBC world welterweight title on Saturday February 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
‘King Ry’ is yet to make a return to action since he suffered a shock defeat to reigning WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero at Times Square in New York City last May.
As for Barrios, the 30-year-old from San Antonio has made two defences of his WBC crown, making his most recent ring appearance against boxing great Manny Pacquiao back in July, although their Las Vegas showdown ended in a draw.
Whilst Garcia has been the subject of controversy over the last couple of years, the former WBC interim lightweight champion appears to have gained a new fan in British heavyweight star Tyson Fury.
Speaking on social media, Fury spoke fondly about the American star as he admits that he believes Garcia is a ‘massive draw’ ahead of his world title tilt against Barrios.
“Ryan Garcia is a massive draw. Straight back to a world title fight, that’s star power.”
‘King Ry’ is yet to actually fight for a world title during his professional career, but the 27-year-old from California came close when he fell short to Romero last year when they fought for the WBA ‘Regular’ welterweight title.
‘Rolly’ was later elevated to full world champion after former title holder Jaron Ennis vacated the belt.
It is this fact that Garcia has lost his one and only fight at the weight, and not registered a win since 2023, that has led many to criticise the WBC for sanctioning the bout. Fury clearly understands the business better than most.
