Ryan Garcia is being targeted for a fight against a world champion by Oscar De La Hoya after Garcia’s recent victory over Mario Barrios. Garcia defeated Barrios by unanimous decision on February 20th, 2026, in Las Vegas to win the WBC welterweight title.
De La Hoya’s ambitious plans aim to solidify Garcia’s position in boxing. Garcia is the current WBC welterweight champion and is ranked #6 in the WBA welterweight rankings as of December 2025. No mandatory challenger is currently in place for Garcia’s WBC title, giving him flexibility for his first title defense.
De La Hoya’s Vision
De La Hoya’s statement emphasizes his determination to secure a high-profile fight for Garcia. Speaking to DAZN, he said:
I actually like the rematch with Devin Haney. There’s a lot of talk, a lot of chatter right now. I think Devin Haney actually does deserve the rematch, just because he’s been talking a lot and his last performance was a really good performance.
“What Ryan did in his last fight with Barrios, obviously a world champion, [it means] he’s back, better than ever mentally, physically. I’d love to see that rematch, Haney vs Ryan Garcia.
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De La Hoya then urged Haney not to take a bout with WBA champion Rolly Romero and instead face Garcia.
Ryan Garcia-Devin Haney makes all the sense in the world, do not take a tune up, let’s make this fight happen.
Potential opponents discussed include Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, and Conor Benn. Josh Kelly has also called out Garcia for a super welterweight title fight.
Garcia previously lost a unanimous decision to Rolando Romero for the WBA welterweight title last year. Immediately after defeating Barrios, Garcia had also called out Shakur Stevenson.
