Asked directly if Garcia is up to the tough challenge he’s prepared for, Barrios gave a simple answer.
“I don’t think so. No,” Barrios told Fight Hub TV when comparing Garcia to opponents he’s faced in the past.
Barrios enters the fight as the WBC welterweight champion, bringing experience against already proven fighters.
His career includes fights with Manny Pacquiao, Gervonta Davis, and Keith Thurman, three fights that forced him to deal with speed, power, and competitive speed before Garcia entered the picture.
That experience shaped the way he evaluated Garcia before their meeting.
Barrios didn’t discount Garcia’s strength. He acknowledged the danger that Garcia poses, especially his speed and left hook, which has been a stoppage throughout his career. However, Barrios pointed to his own experience in high-level fights as the difference.
“I just know I’m a better fighter,” Barrios said. “I’ve been in big fights before with skilled fighters and experts. I’ll be the one to use all that.”
Garcia’s profile has grown beyond boxing’s traditional audience, driven in part by his social media reach and popularity outside of the sport. Barrios said visibility has an impact on how Garcia is perceived in the public eye, even though he sees his ability in the ring.
“Ryan is where he is for a reason. He’s really good,” Barrios said. “But he also has this extra attention from social media. He’s one of those rare events where a promoter meets a real fighter.”
Barrios believes Garcia may not underestimate the physical challenge he presents. He said his size and presence will prevent Garcia from fighting the way he does against smaller opponents.
“In most of his fights, he builds everything by taking guys down,” Barrios said. “I don’t think he can do that with someone like me in front of him.”
The fight also represents a major financial opportunity for Barrios’ career. He confirmed that this will be his biggest payday, surpassing what he has earned in previous high-profile fights, including his fight with Pacquiao. That fact shows Garcia’s drawing power in the trade, regardless of how Barrios evaluates him competitively.
Barrios’ comments reflect confidence built through experience rather than promotion. He’s experienced the speed, power, and pressure of championships before, and he doesn’t see Garcia as presenting something he’s completely unfamiliar with.
Garcia remains dangerous, but Barrios’ attitude suggests he views this fight as a test he understands rather than an unknown threat. That kind of confidence usually comes from experience, and Barrios has more proven against elite fighters than Garcia at welterweight.
