Boxing
WBC defends Ryan Garcia’s title despite criticism
Published
4 months agoon
Sulaiman’s argument rests less on Garcia’s recent performance than on his perceived ability. From the WBC’s perspective, Garcia is still capable of winning this fight, and sanction decisions should not be made solely based on a fighter’s recent performance. Instead, Sulaiman pointed to the broader profile of Garcia’s career, maintaining that his overall achievements still place him among the sport’s elite.
This reasoning has not silenced criticism. Garcia’s last outing ended in a clear decision loss to Rolando Romero in May. A fight in which Garcia was a significant betting favorite before being dropped early and losing every round on the scorecards. He has not competed since then and later underwent surgery on his right hand.
At welterweight, Garcia’s resume is confined. He has yet to record a victory at 147 pounds and has never won a full world title. His only championship was won as the interim WBC lightweight title holder. His most recent result, a decision victory over Devin Haney, was later overturned after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, resulting in a one-year suspension and a $1.2 million fine by the Novel York State Athletic Commission.
Garcia also missed weight for this fight and was later arrested on vandalism charges. These incidents contributed to an 18-month ban from the WBC, which was lifted as part of the organization’s agreement to fight Barrios.
Sulaiman hailed the decision as consistent with the WBC’s long-standing commitment to Garcia’s career, citing concerns about his past behavior and mental health, while emphasizing the organization’s willingness to offer ongoing support. He described the title shot as a chance for redemption rather than a reward for recent achievements.
Barrios enters the fight on a majority draw against 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, with the WBC pointing to the result as a precedent for unconventional approvals.
The criticism did not change the outcome. The fight is moving forward and the WBC has made it clear that it has no hesitation in making the decision, regardless of how it is received.
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His articles often spark discussions among fans because he is not afraid to challenge popular narratives or question players’ performances. In addition to opinions, Dan provides fight news, previews, and post-fight analysis that provide readers with both detail and perspective.
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David Benavidez’s move up to heavyweight no longer sounds like a fantasy after trainer Robert Garcia openly predicted victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder while discussing Benavidez’s future following his dominant win over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.
Robert said Benavidez already has the style and hand speed to cause trouble for boxing’s biggest names if he ultimately decides to move up.
“I think Benavidez beats all three,” Garcia told Fino Boxing as Fury, Joshua and Wilder were raised as potential future opponents. “They are ponderous compared to Benavidez. They won’t even have a chance to throw a punch. Before Ben hits them 20 times.”
Garcia admitted that Fury would still have the hardest task due to his size, but he still supported Benavidez, who was going to break him with a powerful punch.
“I think the hardest one would have to be Fury because the weight is hefty. It’s challenging,” Garcia said. “But even then, if he has his hand on Benavidez, Benavidez will throw those 20-punch combinations to the body and that’s it. That’s it.”
Robert’s comments came after Benavidez stopped Ramirez in a performance that sparked debate about how far the undefeated star can go after already winning the super middleweight and cruiserweight titles. Garcia said he still wants Benavidez to spend more time at cruiserweight before making the full move to heavyweight.
“I think he could fight at heavyweight,” Garcia said. “But I would say two years, a year and a half, three more cruiserweight fights and then I’ll move up to heavyweight.”
Garcia also mentioned Andy Ruiz Jr., Richard Torrez Jr., Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev as potential future opponents when discussing Benavidez’s future path.

Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
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Last updated: 16/05/2026 at 10:12
Boxing
Canelo Alvarez responds to Jake Paul’s $200 million fight offer
Published
4 hours agoon
May 16, 2026
Jake Paul’s claim that he found $200 million specifically for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez sparked a direct response from the Mexican champion.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was scheduled to collide with Canelo in May 2025, but Turki Alalshikh stepped in and signed the then super middleweight king to a multi-fight contract.
It made Alvarez a two-time undisputed champion against William Scull before losing his four major titles in a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford last September.
However, since Crawford announced his retirement and vacated the belts, Canelo is scheduled to fight for the world title in September this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
The most likely opponent seems to be WBC champion Christian Mbilli, who is coming off a fascinating draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo-Crawford card.
However, despite this plan, Paul appears to be trying to get back into his game with the 35-year-old, insisting that a $200 million purse remains up for grabs.
The 29-year-old revealed the news on a live broadcast earlier this week, suggesting it is the “biggest fight” in boxing.
“Canelo, I have $200 million for you. Uncomplicated money. Jake Paul vs. Canelo – let’s finish it. This is what the fans have been waiting for; this is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. I think this will be the next fight.
Jake Paul just said Canelo Alvarez will be his next fight and he will pay him $200 million 🤯
“This is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. Jake Paul vs. Canelo. Official.” pic.twitter.com/QJRLuPjO9r
— Cheerful Punch (@HappyPunch) May 13, 2026
In response, Canelo simply posted three laughing emojis on his Instagram story, signaling that Paul’s offer was not to be taken seriously.
After all, there is A a chance the American may never box again, given the injuries he sustained to his jaw after being knocked out by Anthony Joshua in December.
Boxing
Jake Paul claims he would have made Canelo $300 million
Published
6 hours agoon
May 16, 2026
Jake Paul responded to Canelo Alvarez after the undisputed super middleweight champion previously reacted to talk of a potential fight between the two with laughing emojis on social media.
While greeting fans and media during a public appearance this week, Jake was asked what financial terms he believed would be needed to make the fight happen.
“Yes, 200 [million] for him 300[millionformeWe’llfinalizethedealEasywork”-PaulsaidintheinterviewwithFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo[milionówdlamnieSfinalizujemytransakcjęŁatwapraca”–powiedziałPaulwrozmowiezFightHubTVzapytanyomożliwąumowęzCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo
The comment immediately drew attention due to the huge figure associated with the fight. Jake has continued to call for a fight with Canelo over the past year, despite criticism from many boxing fans and fighters who viewed the fight as unrealistic.
Jake was then asked about Canelo and responded with laughing emojis when the topic of a fight between the two came up online.
“I don’t know what that means, but he won’t laugh when I kick his ass,” Paul said.
The rivalry between the two continues to escalate publicly through interviews and exchanges on social media, even though no official negotiations have been announced.
Jake has mentioned Canelo multiple times in interviews over the past year, keeping the possibility of a future fight circulating despite widespread skepticism in boxing circles.
Canelo is currently scheduled to face Christian Mbilli later this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, while Jake continues to rehabilitate from injuries suffered in his December 2025 fight against Anthony Joshua.

Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.
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Last updated: 16/05/2026 at 7:21
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