Ryan Garcia, a lightweight boxer with a polarizing personality, gears up for a fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on February 21. Both fighters have something to prove—Garcia wants to demonstrate he's clean by openly sharing his VADA test results, while Barrios aims to defend his title once again.
Garcia's journey hasn't been without controversy. He lost to Rolly Romero by unanimous decision in May 2025, casting doubt on his abilities without performance-enhancing drugs. His career took another hit when authorities suspended him for failing a drug test after beating Devin Haney in April 2024. These incidents jeopardized his reputation and put him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Determined to turn over a new leaf, Ryan Garcia released his latest VADA test results. He hopes this transparency will convince fans and critics alike that he's committed to staying clean. The fight against Mario Barrios presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to silence his doubters.
Barrios brings momentum into this match, having successfully defended his WBC welterweight belt twice. Although he faced draws against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao, he retains a strong track record that makes him a formidable opponent.
Garcia remains open about past struggles with alcohol dependence. Yet now more than ever, he's focused on proving himself inside the ring against an accomplished rival like Barrios. The February bout promises high stakes for both fighters as they seek career-defining victories.
