Ryan Garcia struggled to wrap his world title belt around his waist on Saturday night as he finally claimed gold.
The controversial power-puncher is considered one of the most important names in boxing, but had never been in a position to win a world title despite his obvious talents. But he looked to finally have reached his fighting maturity as he floored Mario Barrios en path to a WBC welterweight title win.
Garcia now moves on to plenty of super-fights as considered one of the last of his era to win a legitimate world championship. And he immediately called out the most effective when he won, pushing to fight Shakur Stevenson for his title next.
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Ryan Garcia defeats Mario Barrios for WBC welterweight title
From the opening bell, Ryan Garcia a person on a mission. He pushed forward and refused to persist with the left hook that had made him a star as he overpowered Mario Barrios with big right hands that confused his rival.
After losing his previous efforts at world titles against Gervonta Davis and more embarrassingly Rolly Romero, the pressure was on ‘King Ry’ tonight on the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. And he delivered in spades at 147lb.
Garcia scored the only real knockdown of the fight when he put Barrios on his backside with a right hand 24 seconds into the opening round, and gave the impression to be on cruise control afterwards. He seemingly didn’t lose a round in a shutout win that defied the concept that he’s something of an immature boxer.
After the fight, Garcia claimed to point out his amateur pedigree in his smart boxing performance. But he looked every inch the skilled as he got to grips with Barrios early and showed his dominance and superior boxing ability.
Barrios boasted a corner that included Garcia’s old trainer; the veteran Joe Goossen. And despite boxing as Goossen expected, they were unable to take care of the ability and speed of a young man who finally seems to have found his rhythm in the professional ranks.
Garcia immediately went for Shakur Stevenson after the bell, declaring that he desires to be an awesome world champion and fight the most effective.