WBC Defends Ryan Garcia Title Shot Despite Résumé Gaps

Mauricio Sulaiman has acknowledged the backlash facing the WBC over its decision to approve a welterweight title fight between champion Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia, a challenger who entered the picture without a ranking or a recent win at 147 pounds.

Speaking with The Ring, the WBC president defended the organization’s decision to move forward with the bout, which is expected to take place February 21 at a venue yet to be announced.

Sulaiman’s argument rests less on Garcia’s recent results than on his perceived ability. From the WBC’s perspective, Garcia remains capable of winning the fight, and sanctioning decisions should not be determined solely by a fighter’s most recent performance. Sulaiman has pointed instead to Garcia’s broader career profile, maintaining that his overall track record still places him among the sport’s elite.

That reasoning has not quieted criticism. Garcia’s last appearance ended in a clear decision loss to Rolando Romero in May, a fight in which Garcia entered as a sizable betting favorite before being dropped early and losing every round on the scorecards. He has not competed since and later underwent surgery on his right hand.

At welterweight, Garcia’s résumé is limited. He has yet to record a win at 147 pounds and has never held a full world title. His only championship came as a WBC interim lightweight titleholder. His most significant recent result, a decision win over Devin Haney, was later overturned after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, resulting in a one-year suspension and a $1.2 million fine from the New York State Athletic Commission.

Garcia also missed weight for that bout and was later arrested on a felony vandalism charge. Those incidents contributed to an 18-month ban from the WBC, which was lifted as part of the organization’s approval of the Barrios fight.

Sulaiman has framed the decision as consistent with the WBC’s long-standing involvement in Garcia’s career, citing past concerns over his behavior and mental health while emphasizing the organization’s willingness to offer continued support. He has described the title opportunity as a chance at redemption rather than a reward for recent achievement.

Barrios enters the fight off a majority draw with 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, a result the WBC has pointed to as precedent for unconventional approvals.

The criticism has not altered the outcome. The bout is moving forward, and the WBC has made clear it is comfortable standing by the decision, regardless of how it is received.