A long-anticipated welterweight title fight between the WBC champion Mario Barrios and superstar Ryan Garcia was officially announced for February 21 in Las Vegas. The event, called “The Ring: High Stakes,” will be hosted at the T-Mobile Arena and streamed live on DAZN, as confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s entertainment authority chairman, Turki Alalshikh.

Garcia (27-1, 19 KOs), a well-known social media personality and former WBC interim lightweight champion, is coming off a disappointing decision loss to WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero last May. He was previously penalized for a failed drug test following a no contest bout against former junior welterweight titleholder Devin Haney.

“I will be world champion on February 21,” said Garcia.

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), who rose to prominence after winning the interim WBC welterweight title against Yordenis Ugas in 2023, was later elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the title. Despite this, he has since faced two consecutive draws against Abel Ramos and 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao.

Originally from San Antonio, Barrios expressed pride in his accomplishments, stating:

“Becoming WBC welterweight world champion was more than a moment – it was a promise to my family, my city, and everyone who believed in the grind when no one was watching. This is my division, my time, and I’m ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here.”