Mario Barrios is set to put his WBC welterweight world title on the line in the early hours of Sunday as he faces Ryan Garcia.
Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) challenges for a second world title in succession when he takes on Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on DAZN.
‘El Azteca’ has defended his belt twice since picking it up but is still yet to record a victory as full world champion, with both contests ending in draws.
Barrios became interim WBC champion in 2023 when he outclassed Yordenis Ugas over 12 rounds.
He was promoted to full champion ahead of his fight with Abel Ramos in November 2024, a bout that ended in a draw.
In his last outing, ‘El Azteca’ was once again held to a draw, this time against eight-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao.
He now takes on ‘King Ry’, who steps straight into a second consecutive world title opportunity.
Garcia put on a lacklustre showing against Rolando Romero in New York. After being dropped in the second round, he was unable to recover and lost a unanimous decision.
That was Garcia’s first fight since his no contest against Devin Haney, whom he bettered on the night before the result was eventually overturned after Garcia failed a drugs test.
Prediction: Garcia’s speed and sharper shot selection should prove decisive. If disciplined, he may have too much skill for Barrios over 12 rounds.
Richardson Hitchins vs Oscar Duarte
In the second world title fight of the event, Richardson Hitchins puts his IBF super lightweight world title on the line against Oscar Duarte.
Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) starred on the world stage last time out when he stopped former unified lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr in the eighth round.
‘Africa’ holds notable wins over Liam Paro, Gustavo Lemos and Jose Zepeda.
He now defends against Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs), who has previously shared the ring with Garcia.
Garcia stopped Duarte in the eighth round of their fight back in 2023 in Houston.
The Mexican enters the contest on a four-fight win streak, recording two stoppages during that stretch.
He most recently secured a majority decision victory over Kenneth Sims Jr in August last year.
Prediction: Hitchins’ technical ability should eventually break Duarte down, with a late stoppage a realistic outcome.
Russell faces Hiraoka
Gary Antuanne Russell continues his rebuild following a split decision loss to Alberto Puello in 2024.
Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) was last in action 11 months ago, securing a unanimous decision victory over Jose Valenzuela, with two judges scoring it 119-109.
He takes on the unbeaten Andy Hiraoka on the undercard.
Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs) enters on an impressive run of 10 consecutive stoppage wins, including notable victories over Ismael Barroso, Min Ho Jung and Shun Akaiwa.
Prediction: The Japanese fighter could have enough to cause an upset against Russell.
Martin meets Albright
Frank Martin (19-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring against Nahir Albright (17-2, 7 KOs).
Martin’s only career loss came against Gervonta Davis in 2024, when he was stopped in the eighth round, despite being just one point down on each scorecard prior to the knockout.
Prediction: Martin should have enough to overcome the challenge posed by Albright.
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Remaining Undercard
Bektemir Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KOs) should have enough to stop Sena Agbeko (29-4, 23 KOs) and cruise to a comfortable victory.
Amari Jones (15-0, 13 KOs) can expect a 16th professional win when he takes on Luis Arias (22-6-1, 11 KOs).
Joshua Edwards (5-0, 5 KOs) has proven to be an exciting heavyweight prospect since his professional debut last year.
He will likely stop Brandon Colantonio (7-1, 1 KO) in their six-round contest.
Mohammed Alakel (7-0, 1 KO) will look to extend his unbeaten record to 8-0 when he faces Ronny Reyes (5-2, 1 KO).
