Ryan Garcia ‘makes it clear’ who he now wants to fight next

Ryan Garcia has named one opponent he would be eager to face next, despite that particular fighter being in negotiations for a different opportunity.

The 27-year-old comes off a dominant victory over Mario Barrios, who he floored in the opening round before claiming a unanimous verdict down the stretch.

In doing so, Garcia dethroned his man to become the WBC world welterweight champion, while also securing his first win since 2023.

Indeed, many took issue with the fact that ‘King Ry’, who suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Rolando Romero last May, had been given an immediate title shot against Barrios.

Prior to that, Garcia twice tested positive for banned substance ostarine in April 2024, resulting in his majority decision victory over Devin Haney being ruled a no-contest.

Garcia was also handed a year-long ban by the New York State Athletic Commission, but is now considered one of the sport’s most marketable champions.

And while it is yet to be confirmed what the American will do next, it would seem that a rematch with WBO welterweight champion Haney sits near the top of his list.

Taking to social media, Garcia expressed his interest in their potential unification match.

“I want to make it clear, I will do that fight next if we can figure this out. Point blank period. #GarciaHaney2.”

While Haney, too, has previously expressed his interest in their possible rematch, the 27-year-old now appears as likely to enter a unification showdown with Romero.

‘The Dream’ is rumoured to face his WBA counterpart on May 30, with the fight targeted to headline a card at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn.