Ryan Garcia hit an obstacle days before his boxing return. The World Boxing Council fined him $5,000 for missing a mandatory deadline. The setback came shortly before his welterweight title fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Garcia previously had a turbulent relationship with the WBC. The sanctioning body expelled him after he used racial slurs and made disparaging comments during a social media livestream in July 2024. The WBC later repaired the relationship and approved Garcia as the next challenger for champion Mario Barrios.
Garcia and Barrios Set for February 21 Clash
Garcia will challenge Barrios on February 21. The bout marks Barrios’ first fight since his second straight draw. Barrios kept his title with a split draw against Abel Ramos in 2024. He then fought Manny Pacquiao to a majority draw last July.
Garcia fought only once in 2025 and lost to Rolly Romero for the vacant WBA Regular welterweight title. The Californian now aims to begin his new campaign with his first victory since 2023. He faced a hurdle when he failed to meet the WBC deadline for the mandatory 14-day weight check.
The WBC required Garcia to provide video proof that he was within five percent above the 147-pound limit by February 7. The organization notified Garcia of the fine on February 10 after he missed the deadline.
WBC Issues Warning Over Weight Check
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman addressed Garcia’s team in a notification obtained by BoxingScene. He said the weight check should have been received on Saturday, February 7. He confirmed that champion Mario Barrios complied with the mandatory safety rule.
Sulaiman said the WBC imposed a $5,000 fine for non-compliance. He added that the organization expected the weight video the same day or the following morning. He warned that the WBC would issue a press statement and contact the boxing commission if the video did not arrive.
Garcia later submitted proof that he was within the permitted weight range and avoided further action. Another weight check is scheduled for Saturday, and both fighters must be within three percent above the limit.
Garcia’s Past Weight Controversies Resurface
Observers are watching Garcia’s weight closely because of previous issues. He missed weight by 3.2 pounds before his planned WBC super lightweight title fight against Devin Haney in 2024. The miss removed the belt from contention at the Barclays Center in New York.
Garcia still defeated Haney with a strong performance on the night. The result later changed to a no-contest after elevated levels of ostarine were detected. Garcia lost his $1.1 million purse and received a one-year suspension after the violation.
