Eddie Hearn Predicts Underwhelming Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia Fight

Bassyonni

Published: February 20, 2026 4:18 PM ET

Eddie Hearn Predicts Underwhelming Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia Fight

On Saturday night, Ryan Garcia aims to capture the WBC welterweight title, squaring off against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. Prominent promoter Eddie Hearn has shared his insights on what promises to be a pivotal bout for both fighters.

Ryan Garcia’s Journey to the Title

This match represents Garcia’s third consecutive attempt to secure a championship belt. The 27-year-old boxer is determined to fulfill the potential that many fans expected from him early in his career. Previously, in April 2024, Garcia was poised to challenge Devin Haney for the WBC super-lightweight title. Unfortunately, he lost that opportunity by missing weight.

Following this setback, Garcia achieved a notable victory. However, the result was later ruled a no-contest due to a failed drug test for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine. After serving a one-year ban, Garcia sought another shot at the title but faced a shocking defeat against WBA regular welterweight champion Rolando Romero in Times Square.

Mario Barrios’ Championship Status

Mario Barrios has held the WBC welterweight title for nearly two years. However, he has not won a world title bout since 2019, despite being elevated to champion status in June 2024. His two title defenses since then have ended in draws, raising questions about his current form.

Eddie Hearn’s Predictions

Speaking to The Ring, Eddie Hearn emphasized the intriguing nature of the upcoming Garcia-Barrios match. He highlighted concerns about Garcia’s focus during the lead-up to the fight. Hearn noted, “Ryan has delivered spectacular performances in the past but has also shown lackluster displays.”

He expressed that Barrios, although not particularly impressive historically, is a competent fighter who can take advantage of any underperformance from Garcia. Hearn ultimately predicts a victory for Garcia but acknowledges the unpredictability of the match.