The boxing world is abuzz with a surprising turn of events! WBC reinstates Ryan Garcia, setting the stage for a potential title showdown with Mario Barrios.
In a dramatic twist, the World Boxing Commission (WBC) has lifted the ban on Ryan Garcia, the controversial boxer who made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Back in 2024, Garcia found himself in hot water after using racial slurs targeting Muslims and African Americans on social media. Many speculated about his mental state following this shocking incident. The WBC swiftly expelled him, preventing Garcia from competing for any of their prestigious titles.
But here's where it gets intriguing. Garcia, known for his lightning-fast hands, issued an apology, claiming his comments were merely a form of 'trolling'. He expressed remorse, stating, "I was trolling, I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone, sorry if I offended you." This apology seemed to resonate with the WBC.
Fast forward to the present, and Garcia's fortunes have taken a dramatic turn. The WBC, led by President Mauricio Sulaiman, announced the lifting of the ban on social media. Sulaiman emphasized their support for Garcia and his team, stating, "The WBC has been very close to Ryan, his family, management, and promoter, and we trust a new life inside and outside the ring will begin." This decision has sparked excitement among boxing enthusiasts.
Garcia, thrilled by the news, took to social media to express his gratitude. He wrote, "I'm officially un-banned from the WBC. I want to thank them for recognizing my efforts of change." With the ban lifted, Garcia sets his sights on the WBC Welterweight title.
Rumors are swirling about a potential title fight between Garcia and the current WBC Welterweight champion, Mario Barrios, in early 2026. This matchup has the boxing community buzzing, especially considering Garcia's recent form. He's coming off a unanimous decision loss to Rolando Romero in May 2025, and his previous win over Devin Haney was overturned to a No Contest due to a failed drug test, resulting in a one-year suspension.
Meanwhile, Barrios has had a string of draws in his last two fights, including a majority draw against the legendary Manny Pacquiao. This potential showdown between two determined fighters promises to be a thrilling affair.
And this is the part most people miss: Should Garcia, with his recent setbacks, be granted a title shot so soon? Is the WBC's decision to reinstate him a step towards redemption or a controversial move? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a lively discussion on this intriguing development in the boxing world!