JUST NOW!! Mario Barrios PULLS OUT of Ryan Garcia Fight in SHOCKING Last-Minute Twist

Las Vegas, Nevada – February 20, 2026 – In a bombshell development that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world just 24 hours before fight night, WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios has officially withdrawn from his highly anticipated title defense against Ryan Garcia, scheduled for Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena.

The news, confirmed by sources close to the Barrios camp and reported across major boxing outlets, cites a sudden elbow injury sustained during final sparring sessions as the reason for the pullout, leaving fans, promoters, and Garcia’s team reeling from what could be one of the most dramatic last-minute cancellations in recent boxing history.

The fight, billed as “The Ring: High Stakes” on DAZN PPV, was poised to be one of the biggest welterweight clashes of 2026. Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), the reigning WBC champion since capturing the vacant belt in 2021 and defending it successfully multiple times—including a majority draw against Manny Pacquiao in July 2025—was set to make his latest mandatory defense against the explosive, fan-favorite Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs).

Garcia, coming off a rollercoaster few years marked by suspensions, personal issues, and a high-profile loss to Gervonta Davis, had rebuilt his career under the tutelage of Canelo Álvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso and was heavily favored (-225 at BetMGM) to claim his first world title.

But everything changed overnight. According to a statement released by Golden Boy Promotions and corroborated by multiple reports, Barrios suffered an elbow injury during a sparring session earlier this week. The injury, described as a hyperextension or possible ligament strain, worsened during final preparations, forcing medical evaluations that deemed him unfit to compete. “Mario is devastated,” a source close to the champion told ESPN. “He was in peak condition, ready to defend his belt, but this happened at the worst possible time. It’s not a decision he took lightly—doctors advised against risking permanent damage.”

The withdrawal comes amid weeks of intense buildup. Barrios had been training under former Garcia coach Joe Goossen, adding layers of intrigue and personal drama to the matchup. Garcia had publicly downplayed the coaching switch, while Barrios insisted it gave him an edge in understanding his opponent’s style. The final press conference on Wednesday featured tense face-offs and fiery exchanges, with both men exuding confidence—Barrios declaring “I know I’m the champion for a reason,” and Garcia vowing to “shock the world.”

Now, with less than 24 hours until ring walks, the fight card is in chaos. DAZN and Golden Boy have yet to announce an official replacement or rescheduling, but sources indicate several options are on the table:

Postponement to a later date (potentially April or May 2026) to allow Barrios recovery time.- Garcia facing a late replacement opponent to salvage the main event slot (names like Rolly Romero or a rising contender have been floated).- Full cancellation of the PPV headliner, with undercard fights proceeding.

Garcia’s camp reacted swiftly and emotionally. In a video posted to Instagram shortly after the news broke, Garcia appeared visibly frustrated: “This is crazy. I trained my ass off, got myself right, had Canelo in my corner… and now this? I feel for Mario, injuries suck, but damn, man. I was ready to become champ tomorrow.” He later added in a follow-up story: “Whatever happens next, I’m staying ready. This doesn’t stop me.”

The fallout has been immediate and widespread. Social media exploded with hashtags like #BarriosPullsOut, #RyanRobbed, and #BoxingDrama, amassing millions of views in hours. Fans are divided: some express sympathy for Barrios (“Injuries are part of the game—get well soon champ”), while others accuse the champion of “ducking” Garcia amid the hype (“He saw Ryan’s power in sparring and bailed”). Conspiracy theories abound, with some claiming the injury is “convenient” given Garcia’s favoritism in odds and the high PPV projections.

Boxing insiders point out this isn’t unprecedented. Last-minute pullouts due to injury have plagued major fights before—most notably Ryan Garcia’s own withdrawal from a 2024 PPV due to wrist issues, which led to lawsuits and fines. The WBC has yet to comment officially, but sources say the title could be vacated or held up pending Barrios’ recovery timeline.

For Garcia, the twist is particularly cruel. After a tumultuous period—including a one-year suspension for banned substances (later overturned to a no-contest), personal struggles, and public meltdowns—he had rebuilt his image with disciplined training under Reynoso and Canelo’s mentorship. A win over Barrios would have cemented his comeback and propelled him into pound-for-pound conversations. Now, he’s left in limbo, potentially facing months of inactivity or a risky replacement bout.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy issued a brief statement: “This is heartbreaking for everyone involved. Mario is a true champion and we support his health first. We’re working around the clock with DAZN to determine next steps and ensure fans get the best possible event Saturday night.”

As Las Vegas prepares for what was supposed to be fight night, the atmosphere is one of stunned disbelief. Ticket holders are seeking refunds or exchanges, while the boxing world waits anxiously for official word. One thing is certain: the “High Stakes” card has taken on an entirely new meaning—high stakes of disappointment, uncertainty, and perhaps a new chapter in one of boxing’s most unpredictable rivalries.

Whether this postponement leads to a rescheduled mega-fight or a permanent fracture remains to be seen. For now, the sport holds its breath, as a title fight that promised fireworks has instead delivered a last-minute twist no one saw coming.