Ryan Garcia Fined $5,000 for Late 14-Day WBC Weight Submission Ahead of Barrios Title Fight
The WBC issued a $5, 000 fine and a formal warning to ryan garcia after his team failed to meet the mandatory 14-day weight-check submission deadline. Garcia ultimately provided video evidence showing he was within the permitted margin, but the late filing prompted the sanctioning body to caution that additional discipline could follow if protocols are not met.
WBC penalty and notice to Garcia’s team
The WBC notified Garcia’s camp on Feb. 10 ET that the 14-day weight-check video was due on Feb. 7 ET and had not been received. The organization imposed a $5, 000 fine and requested the weight video immediately, warning it would contact the relevant boxing commission and issue a public statement if compliance was not achieved. Garcia later submitted proof showing a weight of 154. 2 pounds, which met the 14-day requirement.
Numbers: where both fighters stood at the check
At the 14-day mark the contracted limit was effectively 155. 0 pounds (rounded up from 154. 35). The champion, Mario Barrios, submitted a video showing 153. 0 pounds at the same 14-day check. Garcia’s later submission of 154. 2 pounds placed him inside the allowable tolerance for that checkpoint.
Next checkpoints and anti-doping measures
The next scheduled weight check requires both fighters to be no heavier than 3 percent above the 147-pound limit, a key safety measure ahead of the title fight set for Feb. 21 ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Both boxers remain subject to random drug testing under the contracted anti-doping program, and there have been no public issues on that front. Garcia has posted a negative test notification in recent weeks, underscoring his compliance with testing protocols.
Past troubles that keep scrutiny high
Garcia’s recent history helps explain the WBC’s vigilance. He famously blew weight in the lead-up to an April 2024 title clash and later had a majority decision victory overturned to a no-contest after testing positive for elevated levels of ostarine. That infraction led to a one-year suspension and the forfeiture of more than $1. 1 million in fight purse. The combination of previous weight problems, a positive drug test and public conduct issues has left Garcia operating under heightened scrutiny as he pursues a return to championship contention.
Recent ring comeback and opponent’s status
Garcia returned to action last May and was defeated by Rolando Romero in a decisive decision. The defeat followed the sanctioning and suspension period, and Garcia has since been cleared to challenge for the 147-pound title held by Barrios. Barrios, making his third defense since being upgraded to full titleholder in mid-2024, comes into the fight off back-to-back draws in his last two outings. Those results have added intrigue to the matchup and increased the stakes for both men.
What’s next and potential consequences
With the 14-day hurdle cleared by submission of the late video, all eyes turn to the upcoming 3-percent checkpoint and routine testing that will continue up to fight night on Feb. 21 ET. The WBC’s fine and warning make clear that further procedural lapses could carry stiffer penalties or commission involvement. For Garcia, compliance in the remaining lead-up steps will be critical if he hopes to focus solely on his title bid and avoid additional disciplinary fallout.
