Ryan Garcia‘s long-awaited return to the ring is on the verge of being finalised as he gears up for his first official world title shot.
The 27-year-old from California was last in action back in May when he was handed the second defeat of his career to newly-crowned WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero.
Garcia had been the subject of controversy last April when it was revealed that he had failed a drugs test prior to his clash with Devin Haney. He was subsequently served with a one-year suspension from boxing and a fine of over $1 million.
Whilst it had been initially reported that Garcia could face Romero in a rematch, it now appears that the 27-year-old is set to be awarded the opportunity to face reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios next.
In a recent interview with World Boxing News, Barrios’ trainer Bob Santos revealed that negotiations for a showdown between Barrios and Garcia are ‘heading in the right direction’.
“Everything looks to be headed in that direction. But of course, Luis DeCubas Jr. and Al Haymon have the final say. Golden Boy and Ryan have their own vision on their end.”
Barrios made the second defence of his WBC world title on July 19 when he fought to a majority draw against Filipino great Manny Pacquiao, although it has been argued by some that ‘PacMan’ had done enough to be declared the winner.
‘El Azteca’ has suffered just two defeats during his career to date, falling short to three-weight world champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and former unified world welterweight champion Keith Thurman.
