Barrios was upgraded from interim to full WBC champion in June 2024 and has made two successful defences via draws. "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," he said. Garcia's meeting with Haney in April 2024 was scheduled to be for the WBC light-welterweight title, but Garcia missed weight and was not eligible to win the belt. In December the WBC confirmed Britain's Conor Benn as number one in the welterweight rankings. "I'll be coming for that belt and Britain will have a new world champion," he said on Instagram.

Source: BBC January 13, 2026 20:55 UTC