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“He’s fighting who I want him to”: Gervonta Davis coach confirms co

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Gervonta Davis

“He’s fighting who I want him to”: Gervonta Davis coach confirms comeback plan

A big update has been given on the fighting future of Gervonta Davis.

Davis hasn’t fought since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr back in March 2025, having been involved in some serious legal issues since then.

He had been scheduled to take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in November, but those problems outside of the ring led to that bout being cancelled, and ‘Tank’ has subsequently been stripped of his WBA lightweight title.

Gervonta Davis coach confirms comeback plan: “He’s fighting who I want him to”

JUST IN: Netflix officially announces Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 with date an

Many boxing fans have wondered whether or not Davis may ever compete again, but his coach Calvin Ford has insisted to The Rize Podcast that ‘Tank’ will indeed return, and that he has a good idea who he will face.

“He will be back in the mix.

Tank has been doing this sh*t since he was seven-years-old. Sometimes you need that reset because that reset means a lot.

“I can’t wait. I already know who I would like to see for a comeback. The person I want to see him in the ring with is the one we’re going to fight. That’s why I can’t say yet. I’m campaigning for it.

“At the end of the day he has to make the decision on who he wants to fight, but I know it has to be the right opponent, especially for his fans so they can really say I support him. It has to be a fight where they can be like ‘yeah!’”

Davis remains one of the biggest names in the sport, and if he was to return, he is at the top of the hit list for one reigning world champion.

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Netflix officially announces Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 with date an

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Floyd Mayweather Manny Pacquiao

Netflix officially announces Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 with date and venue

The rematch is official. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will meet again.

Mayweather and Pacquiao fought in 2015 following around six years of demand for the match-up. Mayweather won a unanimous decision and would go on to retire undefeated two years later. Pacquiao fought on up until 2021, albeit with a two-year break from 2019, and retired on a loss to Yordenis Ugas. He returned to the paid ranks last year, fighting then WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios to a draw.

This week, ‘Money’ Mayweather revealed that he would be making a professional return following an exhibition bout with Mike Tyson in April. It came not long after Pacquiao had confirmed his own exhibition against former champion Ruslan Provodnikov for the same month.

Manny Pacquiao Floyd Mayweather

READ: Twice as nice: Claressa Shields shuts out Franchon Crews-Dezurn

Now, Netflix has officially announced that the two rivals will meet for a second time, over a decade on from their initial encounter, at The Sphere, Las Vegas on September 19.

The futuristic arena, which opened in 2023 just off the Strip, has hosted the UFC and major entertainment events, but is yet to stage a professional boxing card. A September rematch between two of the sport’s biggest commercial forces would mark its first foray into the sweet science – and likely do so on an unprecedented scale.

Mayweather has long prided himself on breaking gate and pay-per-view records, while Pacquiao’s global fanbase remains one of boxing’s most loyal. With Netflix’s accessibility and existing subscriber base, the rematch – a professionally sanctioned contest – can surpass the record-breaking 4.5 million homes of the 2015 bout.

If that first fight was criticised for being over-marinated, a 49-year-old Mayweather and 47-year-old Pacquiao will do little to make that wrong right, but there’s no doubt that the boxing world will stop to watch come September.

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How Ryan Garcia’s backstage celebration takes unexpected turn af

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Ryan Garcia

Ryan Garcia’s backstage celebration takes unexpected turn after title win

You cannot fully vouch for Ryan Garcia, but everything suggests the boxer may be changing old habits – and it showed in a genuine way. For years, many boxing fans questioned whether Garcia would truly become one of the sport’s defining stars. The talent was always there, yet his behavior outside the ring created doubt. Controversial social media activity, reports of substance abuse before fights, and distractions often shifted the focus away from his ability.

Against Mario Barrios, however, Garcia finally looked like the fighter many believed he was meant to be. In Las Vegas, he delivered a one-sided unanimous decision to dethrone the WBC welterweight champion, validating the potential that had followed him since the beginning of his career.

A performance that reset the narrative for now…

The victory did more than add a belt to his résumé. It helped legitimize a career that has experienced sharp highs and visible setbacks. Not long ago, Garcia was reportedly drinking daily during training camp and posting late-night rants ahead of his 2024 bout with Haney. That fight ended in controversy after he failed a post-fight drug test for ostarine. He also served a suspension, struggled in a failed challenge against Rolando “Rolly” Romero for the WBA welterweight title, and delivered performances where his right hand and focus seemed inconsistent. At that point, a world championship appeared distant.

But against Barrios, Garcia showed discipline and speed. His hands were sharp, his combinations fluid, and his opponent struggled to keep up with the pace. It was the kind of showing that reminded observers why expectations were so high in the first place.

The moment no one expected

Still, what truly caught attention came after he stepped out of the ring. In a city like Las Vegas, many assumed the celebration would be loud and excessive. Instead, a short backstage clip revealed something different. Garcia walked in, opened a pack of cookies, and began eating them before anything else. When someone nearby popped a champagne bottle, he flinched, visibly startled.

It was a small gesture, but it felt symbolic. It does not confirm a complete transformation, yet it suggested a shift in mindset at least for now.

Garcia has long been one of boxing’s most polarizing figures. His talent has rarely been questioned; his priorities often were. This win over Barrios showed improvement inside the ring, while his understated backstage reaction hinted at change outside of it.

If this version of Ryan Garcia continues – focused in training, disciplined in competition, and measured in victory – then the unexpected celebration may be remembered as more than just a viral clip. It could mark the moment when potential finally aligned with maturity.

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Why Terence Crawford warns Ryan García about Shakur Stevenso

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Terence Crawford warns Ryan García about Shakur Stevenson and advises him to forget about that fight

Ryan Garcia’s dominant victory over Mario Barrios to capture the WBC welterweight title has reignited blockbuster talk in boxing. But while “King Ry” wasted no time calling out Shakur Stevenson for a potential super fight, Terence Crawford isn’t convinced that would end well for the new champion.

Garcia secured a clear unanimous decision over Barrios, showcasing improved discipline and composure en route to becoming a world champion at 147 pounds. The performance drew attention across the boxing landscape – including from Crawford, who offered a blunt preview of how a Stevenson vs. Garcia matchup could unfold.

Terence Crawford reacts during a super lightweight title boxing match

JUST IN: Twice as nice: Claressa Shields shuts out Franchon Crews-Dezurn

I think [Stevenson] wipes the floor with him, I don’t think Ryan is going to be able to hit Shakur like Barrios.

Terance Crawford

Crawford elaborated on the stylistic differences, suggesting Garcia benefited from facing an opponent who lacked speed and tactical sharpness.

Barrios was right there to be hit, Barrios was too slow, Barrios didn’t have no game plan, Shakur is not going to be that fighter to be hit on. It’s simple.

Terence Crawford

The warning was clear: Stevenson’s defensive mastery and ring IQ present a far more complex challenge than what Garcia faced on Saturday night.

Shakur Stevenson sets condition as Devin Haney reacts

Stevenson, who fights at 140 pounds, appeared open to the fight – but under one critical condition.

“VADA will be involved,” Stevenson stated, referencing year-round anti-doping testing requirements.

The comment carried weight given Garcia’s previous no-contest result against Devin Haney, which was overturned after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance. The potential matchup would likely require a catchweight agreement, as Garcia now campaigns at welterweight while Stevenson holds a title at super lightweight.

Interestingly, Stevenson noted that a championship belt wouldn’t necessarily be required to sell the fight, citing the pair’s star power and global fan bases.

Meanwhile, Devin Haney – who originally suffered a majority decision loss to Garcia before it was ruled a no-contest – appeared unimpressed by Garcia’s latest performance. Although Haney did not deliver a direct verbal attack, his reaction suggested skepticism about whether Garcia’s win truly answered lingering doubts.

The boxing world remains divided. Supporters argue Garcia’s latest victory shows growth and maturity. Critics believe elite technicians like Stevenson would expose defensive gaps that still exist.

Crawford’s assessment, however, was the strongest statement yet from a pound-for-pound great. His advice to Garcia was essentially strategic: reconsider the callout.

With Garcia riding momentum as a newly crowned champion and Stevenson eager to prove himself against big names, negotiations could gain traction quickly. But stylistically, the fight poses significant risks for both men.

If it happens, it could define the next era at lightweight and welterweight. Until then, Crawford’s message echoes loudly – Shakur Stevenson is a different level of challenge entirely.

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Twice as nice: Claressa Shields shuts out Franchon Crews-Dezurn

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Claressa Shields Franchon Crews-Dezurn

Twice as nice: Claressa Shields shuts out Franchon Crews-Dezurn to remain unbeaten

Claressa Shields retained her undisputed heavyweight championship in a highly entertaining one-sided fight, defeating unified super middleweight titleholder Franchon Crews-Dezurn via shutout, with all three judges scoring the bout 100-90.

Their rivalry had boiled over in recent days – both on social media and in-person– and that showed up in the opening two rounds, bringing the crowd at the Little Caesars Arena here in Shields’ home state to their feet. Crews-Dezurn came forward and let her hands go, while Shields went back and forth between defending herself and flurrying in return. When Shields was able to get some space in the second half of the second round, she landed a counter left hook as Crews-Dezurn came forward.

Claressa Shields Franchon Crews-Dezurn

In the third round, Crews-Dezurn maneuvered Shields to the ropes and leaned on her, but Shields positioned her body to get just enough room for her to lace in a strong right hand. Later, Crews-Dezurn bullied Shields to the ropes again and let loose with a barrage, and Shields threw heavy hands in return, much to the approval of the crowd.

The fast pace that Crews-Dezurn had set showed on her face at the start of the fourth, with her mouth wide open as she tried to get more air. Less pressure from Crews-Dezurn meant more room for Shields, and more room for Shields meant she could send out four-punch combos or load up on heavy right hands.

Not that Crews-Dezurn wasn’t still throwing. And not that Crews-Dezurn wasn’t able to dodge some of Shields’ shots. But in the fifth, it was Shields who continued to have the time and space to throw first. Crews-Dezurn smartly threw a right uppercut as Shields came forward. Shields landed a right hand and a left hook, sent a few jabs out in a row, and countered with a good right hand. Just before the bell, Shields dished out a one-two that Crews-Dezurn dodged.

Crews-Dezurn got a second wind in the sixth, but Shields landed a couple of counters, backed Crews-Dezurn off with two strong jabs, and delivered a good one-two. Soon Shields paired a left hook to the body with one to the head.  Shields pummeled Crews-Dezurn with flush combinations. Crews-Dezurn wanted to do the same, but when she threw heavy shots in return, they mostly didn’t land, and those that did land didn’t deter Shields’ attack.

Shields wisely went to the body at the start of the seventh, trying to suck even more of Crews-Dezurn’s energy away. Crews-Dezurn clinched a few times in the round, showing that she was indeed in need of rest and respite. Crews-Dezurn did land a good right hand over Shields’ jab, but again it was not enough to stem Shields’ offense. Shields got the better of an exchange as the round came to a close, and as the fight was clearly getting out of reach for Crews-Dezurn on the scorecards.

Shields danced as the eighth was about to begin. Crews-Dezurn wasn’t going away yet as a dance partner, landing a solid right hand that Shields absorbed without trouble. The pace understandably finally slowed at the start of the ninth, and when the action began to pick up again, it was Shields landing crisp blows to Crews-Dezurn’s head and body, confident and in control, yet respectful enough not to be reckless. Shields was the one landing heavily, but Crews-Dezurn still wasn’t one to take lightly.

The 10th and final round brought one last sprint. Crews-Dezurn didn’t have enough wind left in her sails, and Shields capably dodged much of what came her way and delivered the cleaner punches.

They embraced after the final bell. The fight was over. And their rivalry, which reaches back to their amateur days, is over. Their friendship, which also reaches back to their amateur days, can now resume.

Shields and Crews-Dezurn famously shared their pro debut in late 2016, which Shields also won via shutout, winning a four-rounder. But they have known each other since Shields was 15 and Crews-Dezurn was 23.

They fought three times in the amateurs.Shields triumphed over Crews-Dezurn in their opening bout at the Olympic trials in February 2012, winning comfortably on points. A couple of months after Shields’ won her first Olympic gold medal in 2012, she took on and defeated Crews-Dezurn again, this time in the finals of the Police Athletic League championships. And in early 2014, with the US national championship on the line, Shields came out on top one more time.

Professionally, they have both had successful careers. Shields calls herself the “GWOAT,” or Greatest Woman of All Time, and she has a reasonable argument for that given that she has gone on to win world titles in five weight classes, including being a four-time undisputed champion in three divisions.

But there is a tremendous lack of depth in the heavier weight classes of women’s boxing. So it was no surprise that one possible bout for the 30-year-old Shields, now 18-0 (3 KOs), is with Mikaela Mayer, a three-division titleholder most recently won belts at 154lbs. Shields came in lighter than 175lbs for this fight and could potentially go lower if there were to be a catch-weight.

Crews-Dezurn is 38 years old and is now 10-3 (2 KOs). She is a former undisputed super middleweight champion who lost that crown to Savannah Marshall but has since regained two belts that were stripped from Marshall (who subsequently lost the other two to Shadasia Green). There remain a few fights for Crews-Dezurn at 168lbs if she chooses to continue, or she could also aim for one of the titleholders at light heavyweight, including Danielle Perkins, who captured the WBA belt on the undercard.

The co-feature ended abruptly and frighteningly – with Joseph George Jnr passing out in his corner following the first round of his bout with light heavyweight prospect Atif Oberlton.

The fight had otherwise been uneventful in its first three minutes. Oberlton worked behind a pawing jab as George tried to rush in on him. At one point in the round, George was shoved to the ground and winced with one eye when he stood up, perhaps the result of an accidental clash of heads. When George went back to the blue corner after the bell, he sat on his stool and then fell forward to the canvas and appeared to be unconscious, with medics quickly rushing to the ring to treat him.

George soon regained consciousness. As a medical backboard was brought to the ring, George was helped to his feet. A concerned Oberlton came to him, embraced George and gave him a kiss on the head. George was soon seated on a stool in his corner with ice on the back of his neck as medics examined him, and as a stretcher was being set up outside of the ring. BoxingScene will seek to monitor this situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

It was announced that Oberlton was the winner by technical knockout. Records and results don’t really matter in this kind of situation. But for those who need to know, Oberlton, a highly touted 27-year-old from Philadelphia, is now 15-0 with 13 KOs. George, a 36-year-old from Houston, is now 13-2 (8 KOs).

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Video Highlights: Claressa Shields shuts out Franchon Crews-Dezu

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Claressa Shields Franchon Crews-Dezurn

Claressa Shields beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn in rematch

Claressa Shields faces Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a rematch on Sunday, February 22, live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. The two fighters run it back nearly 10 years after their first fight, which marked both of their professional debuts. Their second showdown is scheduled for 10 rounds.

Battling in front of her hometown crowd, three-division undisputed champion Shields (17-0, 3 KOs) makes the first defense of her heavyweight title and looks to secure her second victory over her old rival.

Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn face off at the weigh-in, ahead of their boxing rematch in Detroit

READ: Claressa Shields Fight: How Claressa Shields became the main ev

Unified super middleweight champion Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, moves up in weight, aiming to take revenge for the decision defeat and become a champion in her second weight class.

On the Shields vs Crews-Dezurn 2 undercard, Philadelphia’s Atif Oberlton (14-0, 12 KOs) takes on Houston’s Joseph George (13-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. Oberlton puts his WBA Continental USA title on the line, while the U.S. WBC belt is also up for grabs.

A 10-round world championship bout features Australia’s Che Kenneally (5-0, 2 KOs) defending her WBA light heavyweight title against Houston-based Danielle Perkins (5-1, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn. The telecast opener is an eight-round heavyweight matchup between Brooklyn’s Pryce Taylor (10-0, 6 KOs) and James Evans (9-2-1, 7 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio.

Shields vs Crews-Dezurn 2 results

Get Shields vs Crews-Dezurn 2 full fight card results below.

Main Card

  • Claressa Shields def. Franchon Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 100-90)
  • Atif Oberlton def. Joseph George by TKO (R1, 3:00)
  • Danielle Perkins def. Che Kenneally by KO (R6, 1:45)
  • Pryce Taylor def. James Evans by TKO (R5, 0:53)

Prelims

  • Edith Soledad Matthysse def. Samantha Worthington by RTD (R8, 2:00)
  • Sardius Simmons def. Dylan Potter by unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
  • Lance Smith def. Jorge Omar Vizcarrondo Pacheco by TKO (R3)
  • Jasmine Hampton def. Agustina Solange Vazquez by TKO (R5)
  • Savannah Tini def. Vaida Masiokaite by unanimous decision (79-73, 78-74, 78-74)
  • Jaquan McElroy def. Andre Johnson by unanimous decision (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)
  • Shannel Butler def. Danila Ramos by unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)

Shields vs Crews-Dezurn 2 live blog

Claressa Shields defeats Franchon Crews-Dezurn by decision in rematch to retain title

Three-division undisputed champion Claressa Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) of Flint, Michigan, defeats Franchon Crews-Dezurn (10-3, 2 KOs) of Norfolk, Virginia, by unanimous decision in the rematch. After 10 rounds, all three judges scored the fight 100-90.

With the win, Shields records her first successful defense of the undisputed heavyweight title.

Shields vs Crews-Dezurn Rematch Underway

The rematch between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn is underway.

 

Claressa Shields Ring Walk

Claressa Shields makes her ring walk to defend her undisputed heavyweight title in a rematch against Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

Terence Crawford and Claressa Shield

Terence Crawford backstage with Claressa Shields as she gets ready for her fight.

Claressa Shields Backstage

Claressa Shields backstage ahead of her fight with Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

Claressa Shields at the Arena

Claressa Shields is also at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit for her undisputed heavyweight title defense in a rematch against Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn Arrives at the Arena

Half of the main event is in the building as Franchon Crews-Dezurn arrives at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Shields vs Crews-Dezurn – First Fight Video

In case you missed it, check out the video of the first fight between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn, as they both make their professional boxing debuts on the undercard of Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in November 2016.

 

 

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Why Floyd Mayweather Jr. Draws Heavy Backlash for Coming Out

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Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Draws Heavy Backlash for Coming Out of Retirement Ahead of Mike Tyson Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr’s unretirement announcement landed like a thud for a chunk of boxing fans who thought the book was closed on his professional fighting days. Just days ahead of his 49th birthday, the 50-0 boxer revealed to ESPN that he’ll return to professional boxing after his spring 2026 exhibition with Mike Tyson.

“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” the boxing legend said in the written statement. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards — no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience, and generate more money with each event — then my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS.”

This comes after several exhibitions since 2017, a lawsuit claiming Showtime owes him “at least” $340 million, and a Tyson exhibition that already feels more like spectacle than sport. The context matters because Floyd Mayweather hasn’t boxed a real pro since 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor to move to 50–0. Since then, it’s been spectacle bouts with Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, John Gotti III, and Tenshin Nasukawa.

JUST IN: Shakur Stevenson has two demands for fight with new champion Ryan Garcia

The Tyson bout, reportedly targeted for April 25 in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), though other details remain unconfirmed, pairs two men who are a combined 107 years old. Tyson is coming off a lifeless loss to Jake Paul, 30 years his junior, in a Netflix event that did huge numbers and brutal reviews. The math here is simple: the draw is nostalgia and name value, not competitive relevance. Floyd Mayweather knows that. His statement leaned into gates and global audiences, not rankings or belts.

Mayweather calls himself ‘Money,’ and his career purses topped a billion dollars by some estimates. But recent reports about mortgages, lawsuits, foreclosures, and shaky real estate claims have poked holes in the untouchable image. None of that proves he’s broke. But it does explain why every new event feels like a cashing-in moment as much as a competitive one.

There’s also a sporting angle people keep circling back to. Mayweather would return to a division full of fighters half his age. Manny Pacquiao is also back in the pro ranks, which has reopened talk of a rematch of their 2015 bout. If Mayweather actually takes a sanctioned fight after Tyson, the risk is real. He built a brand on perfection. One loss at 49 doesn’t erase a 50–0 career, but it does change how the ending reads.

Fans not on board as Floyd Mayweather announces the end of his retirement

One fan wrote, “Bruh chill out Floyd. You not beating any real contenders.” That reaction isn’t just age-shaming. It’s about relevance. Mayweather hasn’t faced an active, elite boxer in nearly a decade. Coming back after dancing around exhibitions doesn’t convince fans he’s ready for a real contender.

Another fan pointed out, “This is a man who has wasted and spent all his money point blank and simple…..” Fans are connecting dots between the unretirement and the financial noise around Mayweather. Even if the reality is more complex, perception matters. When a fighter returns, talking about gates and money first, people assume the motivation is survival, not competition.

Someone else dove deeper as they wrote, “Floyd at 49 coming back to protect 50-0 after dancing around 60-year-old Mike? This is the biggest money grab since his Logan Paul fight. Boxing died in 2015 and these exhibitions are just the funeral. Who’s actually paying for this PPV circus?” This hits the core tension. The Tyson bout feels like a warm-up lap for cash, not a test. Fans who sat through the Logan Paul spectacle feel burned. The question isn’t whether people will watch. It’s whether they’ll respect it.

One skeptical fan chimed in with, “Retirement for Floyd is just a holding pattern. He steps away, lets the hype build, waits for the right opponent and the right bag, then magically remembers he has unfinished business. This is not a comeback, it is a scheduled deposit.” This reaction cuts to how fans read Floyd Mayweather’s career management. He’s always treated timing like leverage, not sentiment. Walk away, let scarcity do the marketing, then return when the numbers make sense. Fans aren’t buying the idea that this return is about legacy. They see a business model that’s worked before and expect him to run it back.

And finally, one fan added, “Man gonna lose and ruin his record lmao. Why do these old Greats not know when to let it go?” This one is less about hate and more about fear for the ending. Mayweather built his brand on control and perfection. Coming back at 49, even against carefully chosen opponents, introduces risk he never had to take. Fans have watched legends stay too long and get clipped, and that sticks.

The backlash isn’t really about whether ‘Money’ can still sell a fight. Everyone knows he can. It’s about what this version of selling represents. When Floyd Mayweather talks gates and global audiences first, fans hear a promoter, not a competitor. That doesn’t erase what he was. It reframes what he’s choosing to be now.

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Shakur Stevenson has two demands for fight with new champion Ryan Garcia

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Shakur Stevenson Ryan Garcia

Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia could be on a collision course after ‘King Ry’ became world champion on Saturday.

Garcia dropped Barrios on his way to a dominant unanimous decision victory to secure the WBC welterweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Following the bout, Garcia made it clear that he wants to face Stevenson next, the newly crowned WBO super-lightweight champion who claimed his belt with a win over Teofimo Lopez last month.

Shakur Stevenson has two demands for fight with new champion Ryan Garcia

JUST IN: Video highlights: Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios live streaming resul

Stevenson laid out his demands for the bout to take place whilst speaking on DAZN, insisting that it would have to take place at a 144lbs catchweight and that VADA testing would be required.

“Was VADA involved in this fight? I saw him with Rolly he didn’t look like that. If he’s fighting me next, I’m all for the challenge but VADA will be involved.

“We’ll meet in the middle [144lbs]. Two big stars, we don’t need a belt for the fight.

“I think it’s a great fight to make. I’m in this for big fights. Me and Ryan would be an even bigger fight and would be a tremendous fight. I want to fight him and he want to fight me so it should be easy to get done. We’ve just got to make sure he’s on VADA and there’s no cheating involved.”

Garcia failed a drugs test in 2024 after facing Devin Haney, resulting in his win being overturned to a no contest. He returned after a 12-month ban and suffered a loss to Rolly Romero, but looked like a completely different fighter against Barrios tonight in Las Vegas.

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Video highlights: Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios live streaming resul

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Ryan Garcia Mario Barrios

Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios live streaming results, video highlights from Las Vegas

Ryan Garcia cruised to a lopsided decision win over Mario Barrios on Saturday, winning the WBC welterweight title in the process.

Garcia dropped Barrios in the very first round, and while he could not replicate or better that moment as the fight wore on, he stayed in complete control throughout.

After the final bell sounded, Garcia was declared a unanimous-decision winner (119-108, 120-107, 118-109), as he became a full world champion for the first time.

Ryan Garcia v Mario Barrios - Weigh-in

JUST IN: Crowned at last: Ryan Garcia outpoints Mario Barrios

The precocious 27-year-old previously held an interim world title at lightweight, but Saturday marked a grander triumph for “King Ry”, as he dethroned Barrios in Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena.

BARRIOS VS. GARCIA QUICK RESULTS

147 lbs.: Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia
140 lbs.: Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte – Canceled
140 lbs.: Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka – Russell via unanimous decision
140 lbs.: Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright – unanimous draw
168 lbs.: Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sena Agbeko – Melikuziev via seventh-round TKO
160 lbs.: Amari Jones vs. Luis Arias – Jones via fourth-round TKO (corner stoppage)
130 lbs.: Mohammed Alakel vs. David Calabro – Alakel via second-round knockout
Heavyweight: Joshua Edwards vs. Brandon Colantonio – Edwards via unanimous decision

BARRIOS VS. GARCIA PLAY-BY-PLAY

Round 1:

Garcia comes out aggressive. Shots to the body and then lands a big right hand and drops Barrios right away! WOW. The champ gets back up and Garcia is now pouncing. Barrios has recovered. Nice body shot lands for Garcia, then a big left hook. Barrios pushing forward and Garcia lands another body shot. Garcia looking for the kill but Barrios is evading. Left hook again for Garcia and Barrios just needs to escape the round. Great start for Garcia. 10-8 Garcia

Round 2:

Garcia takes the center of the ring. Jabs his way in and connects a nice straight right hand. Barrios counters with a left and then Garcia lands a body shot. Garcia lands to the body. Barrios pushing forward with his jabs. Hasn’t landed much. Garcia again working the body with his left hook. Good round for Garcia again 10-9 Garcia

Round 3:

Barrios trying to push the pace early in round three. Lands a good right hand. Barrios again with a body shot and Garcia eats it and returns fire with two jabs. Garcia pushing ahead and lands a left hook to the body. Barrios doubles up the jab. 10-9 Garcia.

Round 4:

Barrios has the size advantage here. Garcia showing off his speed with a snapping right hand that lands. Mice jab lands for Garcia. Lightning quick jab lands for Barrios. Huge overhand right hand lands for Garcia and it rocks Barrios momentarily. Barrios needs to use his footwork. Stiff jab connects for Barrios. One-two connects for Garcia. 10-9 Garcia

Round 5:

Garcia tags Barrios with another big right hand and rocks him. He’s recovered now but he is in danger. Garcia with a straight right hand down the middle that lands flush. Three-punch combo lands for Garcia and he is showing off his speed again, along with precision. Big left hook lands for Garcia. Barrios has no answer, despite being the bigger man. Left hook clips Barrios’ chin. A big right hand lands for Garcia. Barrios trying to close the distance. One-two lands for Garcia. Barrios with a nice right hand of his own as he pushes Garcia up against the ropes. Right hand again for Garcia. 10-9 Garcia

Round 6:

Garcia lands an overhand right, Barrios falls but it is called a push. The right hand finds a home again for Garcia. Barrios connects with a right hand of his own. Left hook barely grazes Barrios’ head. Barrios looks so much bigger than Garcia, but has no answer for the speed. Action slowed just a bit in this round but Garcia controlled it. 10-9 Garcia

Round 7:

Garcia opens up with a three-punch combo. Barrios needs to really turn it around and win the next six rounds or get a knockout to have a chance. Uppercut lands for Garcia, then a shot to the body. They trade jabs and Garcia unloads another three-punch combo. 91 punches landed for Garcia to Barrios 42 so far. Stiff jab lands for Garcia, who is now feeling very confident with his approach. 10-9 Garcia

Round 8:

Garcia once again leaves his stool early, takes the center of the ring right away. He is really feeling himself her, and rightfully so. Overhand right lands for Garcia, and then another. Left hook is partially blocked, Garcia follows it up with two jabs. Barrios needs to get it going here. Right hand lands for Barrios and he eats a left hand to the body. Both men get a stern warning from mthe referee after the clinch. Barrios with two shots to the body. 10-9 Garcia

Round 9:

Barrios gets Garcia up against the ropes and connects with a couple of rabbit punches. Garcia escapes and takes the center of the ring. Pumps the double jab, then a left hook to the body. Shot to the body lands for Barrios. Garcia’s father just revealed Garcia has injured his right hand. Double left jab from Garcia and Barrios whiffs on a right hand. Not a ton of action here in this round. 10-9 Garcia

Round 10:

Garcia touching the body and then goes upstairs with a three-punch combo. Barrios lands an uppercut and it backs Garcia up for a minute. Barrios gets in on the inside and unloads a barrage of strikes. Garcia escapes the ropes and takes the center. Three-punch combo lands and the last shot whips Barrios head clean back. Overhand right lands and then a shot to the body for Garcia. Very disciplined approach from Garcia. Garcia for some words for Joe Goosen in the middle of the action. Uppercut for Garcia to close out the round. 10-9 Garcia

HIGHLIGHTS

 

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BOXING

Crowned at last: Ryan Garcia outpoints Mario Barrios

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Ryan Garcia Mario Barrios

Finally, a world title has been strapped to boxing’s most popular personality, Ryan Garcia.

In a sensational showing opened by a first-round knockdown of former titleholder Mario Barrios, Garcia moved beyond the disappointment of his three prior title-fight failures to capture the WBC welterweight belt.

His convincing unanimous decision triumph came by scores of 119-108, 120-107, 118-109.

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“It feels great. I’m dedicating this to my dad,” Garcia said of his father, Henry, whom he re-hired after Henry coached him through his amateur and early pro career. “It was what I wanted to show: my whole arsenal. I should’ve had a knockout, but I hurt my right hand.

“We put on a hell of a show. … I showed my amateur pedigree. I can move, I can box. I hurt him multiple times. He’s a tough son of a bitch.”

Garcia, 25-2 (20 KOs), wasted little time getting to his craved feat, knocking down Barrios with a vicious right to the side of the head just 27 seconds into the bout.

Showing immediately that he was more than a one-trick pony who leaned on the left hook to knock down Devin Haney in an overturned 2024 victory, Garcia’s rights and jabs were productive against Barrios, making the hook almost an early afterthought.

“Early in my career, all of my knockouts were from the right hand. I hurt it around the sixth or seventh [round],” Garcia said. “Other than that, it all went well.”

The power rights forced two-division champion Barrios, 29-3-2 (18 KOs), to cover in the third, as he reached to land punches of substance on the Southern Californian Garcia.

Throwing the rights so rapidly had Barrios literally on his toes because the champion coming off two straight draws – including July’s versus 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao – was ill-equipped to deal with this 27-year-old prime performer.

Another right in the fifth staggered Barrios, and a left hook to the body brought another grimace. Barrios turned to protective measures, covering up and backing up at points.

“He fought very smart, very intelligent,” Barrios said. “We figured to expect the right hand. I wasn’t expecting it the way he threw it, a looped overhand.

“He fought a very smart fight.”

Garcia retreated to the corner where his father-trainer Henry resided after Garcia had cycled through cornermen including Eddy Reynoso, Derrick James and Joe Goossen, who cornered Barrios on Saturday.

A left hook to the head in the sixth wobbled Barrios, as Garcia retreated to his father for reminders delivered with a confident smile.

“It’s like it was written for a story,” Garcia said. “There’s a special relationship with your father. If you’ve got a dad, tell him you love him.”

Powerful head combinations by Garcia in the seventh diminished Barrios’ hopes. Garcia eased through the eighth, then returned to discouraging Barrios with the power shots that noticeably swelled Barrios’ nose.

Garcia spent the opening minute of the 10th further weakening Barrios with wicked deliveries, appearing to turn to Goossen in a confident display of work that reminded the trainer Garcia referred to as “traitor” couldn’t inspire any magic on this evening.

“Tough guy to track down, fleet-footed, quick-handed,” Goossen said of Garcia. “Mario was trying to get the knockout in the later rounds. That was our opportunity. We couldn’t capitalize on it.”

Nodding to the crowd after the 11th, Garcia neared his moment of reckoning after the 2023 body shot by Gervonta Davis that stopped him, the Haney fiasco and the surprise, sluggish showing last year against Rolando “Rolly” Romero in New York’s Times Square.

All that’s over now for the new titleholder who, in a time of great debate over the importance of title belts, savored his.

In victory, Garcia called out unbeaten four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.

“You know who I want: Shakur Stevenson,” Garcia said. “I’ll fight anybody. You’ve got to get some kind of punching power to keep me off you. I want that fight.”

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