Ryan Garcia‘s long-awaited return to the ring is all but confirmed, as he gears up to face a surprising opponent next.
The 27-year-old former WBC interim lightweight champion was last in action back in May when he was beaten by countryman Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, falling short in his attempt at becoming the WBA Regular welterweight champion.
Garcia was floored in the second round of his New York City showdown with Romero before he was handed defeat for the second time in his professional career in what was considered to be a big upset.
‘King Ry’ is currently recovering from hand surgery which he underwent just weeks after his clash with ‘Rolly’, although it is being reported that the 27-year-old will be ready to make his return to the sport during the early stages of 2026.
As discussed on the Inside Boxing Live show, Garcia is set to be given the opportunity to challenge reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios next, a decision that has been branded as ‘absurd’ by former world champion Chris Algieri.
“Has he won a fight at welterweight? He’s coming off a loss and the fight before that was a drugs suspension. Walking into a world title fight against, I’m sorry Mario Barrios, I love you dude, great guy, low-hanging fruit … Absolutely absurd what boxing allows, that’s all I’m gonna say.”
Garcia’s last official victory came in December of 2023 when he stopped Oscar Duarte in the eighth round of their super-lightweight bout in Houston, Texas.
As for Barrios, the 30-year-old last appeared back in July when he fought to a majority draw against Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao, retaining his WBC welterweight title for the second time.
