Report: Barrios-Garcia title fight in works for early 2026

WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia are closing in on a deal for a fight in the first quarter of 2026, sources told The Ring's Mike Coppinger.

A specific date hasn't been set.

Barrios is coming off a majority draw against Manny Pacquiao last July in which he retained his 147-pound title for the second time. Barrios, 30, is seeking his first win since May 2024.

Garcia, one of the biggest stars in boxing, came up short in his last outing, dropping a unanimous decision to Rolly Romero in May at a blockbuster event in New York's Times Square. The 27-year-old holds a 1-2 (1 NC) record in his past four appearances.

Garcia, who previously held the WBC interim lightweight championship, will look to capture his first full world title against Barrios.