Barrios vs. Garcia: Final Press Conference Highlights
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Barrios vs. Garcia: Final Press Conference Highlights

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 19, 2026) – WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) and challenger Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) faced off at T-Mobile Arena ahead of their Feb. 21 title clash, streaming live on DAZN. Barrios aims for his fifth defense, while Garcia seeks a welterweight crown to rebuild his momentum.

Main Event Quotes:

  • Barrios on Garcia’s hype: “None of it bothers me. I’m the champion for a reason… I leave it all in the ring.”
  • Barrios on strategy: “I want to make him uncomfortable and exploit his weaknesses every round.”
  • Garcia on preparation: “I’m just preparing myself as best as I possibly can… You can look at me and see the shape I’m in.”
  • Garcia on reuniting with trainer Henry Garcia: “It feels like old times… Technically, we are undefeated together.”
  • Garcia on the title: “For this championship, it’s going to make my dad’s life… You’re going to see the start of a whole new rise of the King Ryan empire.”

Undercard Highlights:

  • IBF Super Lightweight Title: Richardson Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) defends vs. Oscar Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs).
  • Hitchins on KO prediction: “I’ve never been knocked out… He’s not going to be the guy to do that.”
  • Duarte on Hitchins: “He’s a basic fighter… I’m coming not only for Hitchins, but anyone else.”
  • WBA Super Lightweight Title: Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) defends vs. Andy Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs).
  • Russell on readiness: “I’ll do what I normally do – show up and show out.”
  • Russell on distance: “It depends – I don’t kiss and tell.”
  • Super Lightweight: Frank Martin (19-1, 13 KOs) vs. Nahir Albright (17-2, 7 KOs).
  • Martin on weight move: “I feel a lot stronger at 140… It’s the perfect weight for me.”
  • Albright on expectations: “I’m expecting war and nothing less.”
  • Super Middleweight: Bektemir Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KOs) vs. Sena Agbeko (29-4, 23 KOs).
  • Melikuziev on showcase: “This is a great opportunity… I’m looking forward to a great fight.”
  • Agbeko on plan: “My plan is to ‘bully the bully.’”

Promoter Insights:

  • Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy): “I like Ryan’s chances… It’s going to be a war. This is a stacked championship card.”
  • Rick Reeno (Ring Magazine): “Both are hungry… Guaranteed fireworks. Outstanding undercard with three world title fights.”
  • Henry Garcia (Trainer): “We have Ryan in tip-top shape… We’re going to win this.”
  • Joe Goossen (Barrios Trainer): “Mario has exceeded expectations… Tightening the defense and making the offense more explosive.”

The event is part of “The Ring: High Stakes” series, available on DAZN Ultimate Tier with archives and exclusives.