Garcia earned over $30 million in his fight against Gervonta Davis, but while he still earned a significant eight-figure payday against Barrios, it wasn’t close to what he earned against Davis.

Multiple reports, including specialized outlet The Sportster state that Garcia actually earned around $10 million between the base, the guarantees, and a slice of the event’s pay per view revenue. However, the WBC will get $5,000 from Garcia as a fine for missing a mandatory weight check deadline.

Garcia is back atop the boxing world

Garcia was once 23-0 and regarded as one of the best boxers in the whole wide world. Then, he lost to Davis due to a liver hook and he came crashing down. He bounced back by knocking out lesser boxer Oscar Duarte, and then he went spiraling down in the buildup against Devin Haney. He originally beat Haney by a majority decision, but he tested positive in a drug test, so it was overturned.

Garcia then took a year off to get help with mental health struggles and substance abuse. After that, he came back to face a tough boxer in Rolando ‘Rolly‘ Romero. In what can only be described as an upset, Romero danced around Garcia and won a unanimous decision over King Ryan. With this win, Garcia is now back to being a world champion.

How much did Barrios earn?

Barrios’ biggest reported payday came in 2021 when he faced legendary Manny Pacquiao and earned around $2.5 million. Barrios has also fought Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman, though he is usually de B-side, despite coming in as champion sometimes.

Per portal The Sportster, Barrios’ purse is projected around the $5 million and $8 million mark. Barrios is a very solid name in the boxing world, but he is not a household quantity. Hence, his paydays are not as big as others.

Garcia, a top lightweight contender often mentioned as a potential Paul opponent, weighed in on the challenge Paul is undertaking. He questioned whether taking on Joshua at this stage could have long-term consequences for the 11-fight professional.

The veteran boxer highlighted the physical and mental risks, noting that a loss in such a high-profile bout could alter the trajectory of Paul’s career. “It can be life changing in many ways, physically and mentally,” Garcia said on X spaces. “Did you see what [Joshua] did to [Francis] Ngannou? But then again, if he gets knocked out, he gets knocked out. Nobody expects anything. Who is he going to fight?”

Garcia questions Paul’s decision

Garcia directly criticized the booking of the fight, suggesting Paul may have prioritized external pressures over his own readiness. “My honest opinion, I think that this has been a misstep from Jake,” he said. “I think he wanted to make his partners at Netflix a little too happy, and he’s going to walk into it. But like, he loses to A.J., where does he go from here? Who does he fight? Is he going to go back down to 185?”

Concerns about career impact

The lightweight star was blunt about the consequences of a loss. He indicated that a knockout defeat could reduce Paul’s opportunities and marketability. “How are you going to react when that big shot hits you? You think you’re going to snap back into it and know what to do? No, not going to happen,” Garcia said. “I give him out of a million times if they fought, honest to God, I think he can maybe win one out of the million times they fight.”

Behind the scenes, Netflix reportedly wanted Paul on a fight card before the end of 2025. His team reached out to fighters like Ryan Garcia, Terence Crawford, and Francis Ngannou to step in on short notice.

Garcia declined, with his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, explaining, “Ryan Garcia fights for DAZN. And Jake Paul fights on Netflix. I mean, that’s pretty much the bottom line. Golden Boy has a contract with DAZN. Ryan Garcia has a contract with Golden Boy. And that’s just the way it is. I mean, this is business… You have a contract with DAZN. You have a contract with Golden Boy. It just doesn’t happen that way.”

Why did Jake Paul pick Anthony Joshua?

On November 17, Garcia spoke on Ring Magazine’s Inside the Ring, offering his perspective. “This fight [against Joshua] is probably the worst fight that Jake Paul could have took. Out of all the fights he probably had a choice, you know? This is a big dude, heavyweight. Like, how do you go from 135 [pounds] to 225. It’s going to be difficult,” he said.

Garcia added that Paul is drawn to high-profile bouts. “He’s just addicted to doing huge fights. At the end of the day, he has so many options. He’s always looking for the guy that can make the most noise,” Garcia explained.

He also speculated on Paul’s thinking regarding Joshua’s chin and past fights: “He’s probably thinking, ‘Anthony Joshua, maybe his chin is suspect. Maybe he’s not even thinking about me, so I’m going to come in and somehow hit him with my right hand.’ Because he believes that his right hand is as strong as [Deontay] Wilder.”

What challenges await Paul against Joshua?

Whatever the reasoning, it’s clear that Paul faces a challenging task in the ring against a seasoned heavyweight like Joshua. Fans will be watching closely on December 19 to see whether Paul’s strategy pays off against the elite competition.

Despite the controversy surrounding the matchup, Paul’s team is reportedly exploring alternatives. Paul’s representatives have approached multiple top-tier boxers to potentially replace Davis, whose recent domestic violence allegations have put the original fight in jeopardy.

Fans and insiders alike are watching closely as the landscape shifts. One name emerging as a serious contender to face Paul in December is Ryan Garcia, a former lightweight standout known for his speed and knockout power.

Potential replacement opponent named

According to reports from multiple sources, Ryan Garcia has received an official offer to step in against Paul. “Netflix and reps for Jake Paul have been exploring potential replacements for Gervonta Davis, sources familiar with the situation told @SInow,” via Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.

Garcia weighed in on the situation via social media, referencing Davis’ previous victory over him: “Dana White said it, I’m saying it, no one’s hating, just fight someone your f—— size. I loved his fight with [Julio Cesar Chavez] Jr, they were practically the same size, and he got full credit from myself and everyone else. So it’s not hating, just keeping things in order.”

Paul’s next steps

While negotiations continue, the decision of whether Garcia—or another contender—will face Paul remains fluid. The fighter known for targeting high-profile names has consistently expressed interest in facing the sport’s elite, and this scenario aligns with his strategy of keeping his bouts in the public eye.

Fans can expect updates in the coming days as Paul’s team works to finalize the December fight. The stakes remain high, with potential adjustments impacting both promotional planning and ticket sales.

Speaking on The Warroom podcast, Garcia announced his plan to challenge Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion. The move signals his intent to jump straight back into title contention and regain momentum after his loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero earlier this year.

For Garcia, the motivation runs deeper than gold. He believes a victory over Barrios would give him the “leverage” he needs to chase the rematch that still drives him.

Can Garcia’s high-risk comeback pay off?

“I haven’t said this publicly, but I want Mario Barrios. I’m going for it,” Garcia said. “If you want to make some good money, let’s run it.” The 26-year-old sees Barrios — who recently drew with Manny Pacquiao — as a winnable yet meaningful test on his road back to the top.

What comes after Barrios for Garcia?

A win could set up unification bouts against the Romero–Pacquiao winner, scheduled for January 2026. But Garcia might face competition from Conor Benn, who also wants Barrios next after his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. Still, few names bring the attention and market power Garcia does — and that could make all the difference.

Garcia, known for his speed and knockout power, recently returned to the ring following a shock loss to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in May. The young star is actively seeking his next challenge, and the announcement of Mayweather vs. Tyson provided the perfect platform for Garcia to express his opinion.

In a post on “X” (formerly Twitter), Garcia wrote: “Floyd should’ve just fought me,” ending the message with a shrug emoji. The response was shared widely across boxing circles, highlighting the ongoing tension and excitement surrounding Mayweather’s exhibition matches.

Should Ryan Garcia be the next opponent for Mayweather?

Garcia’s tweet suggests he feels he has earned the right to face Mayweather, especially given his past experience in exhibitions. He previously arranged a fight against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, though he had to pull out due to a wrist injury. His promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, opposed the exhibition and pursued legal action, highlighting the challenges Garcia has faced navigating fights outside the traditional professional arena.

Despite this, Garcia has maintained a respectful and appreciative stance toward Mayweather, calling him a mentor. “Floyd is mentoring me, and I love and respect him, he is so authentic so stop judging him,” Garcia wrote. His comments reflect the complicated relationship between rising stars and boxing legends, blending admiration with competitive ambition.

What’s next for Ryan Garcia?

With Tyson-Mayweather officially confirmed, fans are left speculating about matchups, weight classes, and potential spectacles. For Ryan Garcia, the focus remains on bouncing back from his recent defeat, securing a rematch with Rolly Romero, or potentially aligning for a high-profile fight with a legend like Manny Pacquiao. Meanwhile, the Mayweather-Tyson exhibition promises to dominate headlines and redefine how fans anticipate crossover boxing events.

But while anticipation grows, former lightweight contender Ryan Garcia has injected a dose of skepticism into the narrative. Known for speaking his mind, Garcia respects Crawford’s talent but questions whether it will be enough to overcome Canelo’s power and durability on the biggest stage.

In his appearance on CigarTalk with Naji, Garcia drew a sharp line between admiration and prediction. He praised Crawford’s skills but emphasized the imbalance he sees in the matchup. The result, Garcia warned, could reveal the limits of even one of boxing’s most versatile fighters.

Is Crawford “biting off more than he can chew”?

Garcia didn’t mince words: “Bud’s going to do good. He’s going to do good, but I don’t think he’s going to win.” While acknowledging Crawford’s ability to land punches, Garcia argued they wouldn’t be enough to trouble Canelo. “He absorbs the shots before eventually imposing his will. It’s so ineffective … he’s biting a little bit more than he could chew.”

Respect for Crawford, but doubts remain

Despite his blunt outlook, Garcia made it clear he rates Crawford highly. “Don’t get me wrong, Crawford is a great fighter. I think he’s one of the best. He could box, he could bang … The only thing I see is sometimes he gets cracked with some crazy shots.”

That vulnerability, Garcia suggested, may become decisive against an opponent who thrives on absorbing punishment and countering effectively.

Weight, power, and the challenge ahead

Crawford is moving up two divisions, a factor many see as pivotal. As Regis Prograis put it, “Weight classes exist for a reason.” Trainer Abel Sanchez echoed the concern, warning that the jump might diminish Crawford’s stamina and strength.

Still, Crawford’s camp believes in his ability to adapt. Trainer Brian McIntyre stressed that Alvarez slows in the later rounds, leaving room for Crawford’s conditioning and IQ to tip the balance.

The September 13 showdown carries implications far beyond the scorecards. A Crawford victory would rewrite weight-class conventions and boxing history, while a Canelo triumph would reaffirm his dominance at super middleweight. As Ryan Garcia’s candid remarks remind fans, this fight is more than a clash of skills—it’s a test of size, resilience, and legacy.

Speaking during a live broadcast on X, Garcia, who previously trained under Eddy Reynoso alongside Canelo, made it clear who he’s backing come September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, when Canelo defends his undisputed super-middleweight titles.

“When you have two great fighters, great things can happen. But I can see Crawford getting knocked out Amir Khan-style, though,” Garcia said. “I don’t see [Crawford beating Canelo.] He could definitely prove me wrong, but I’ve trained with Canelo, I’ve been around him—bro can really push back heavyweights.”

He added: “This is the first time Canelo’s bigger than somebody in a long time, so it’s like the weights are lifted off and he can fight more freely.”

Can Crawford survive the size gap against Canelo?

Garcia’s analysis didn’t stop at admiration—he pointed to size as the deciding factor. For years, Canelo has faced naturally bigger men at 168 and even 175 pounds. Now, for once, the roles are reversed.

“I’m actually interested to see. I can’t wait for the fight. I’m definitely gonna be backing Canelo,” Garcia continued. “Crawford is a great fighter and he could surprise me, but right now where I would put my money is Canelo Alvarez.”

The fight carries echoes of 2016, when Amir Khan jumped two weight classes to challenge Canelo for his middleweight belt. Khan was laid out in the sixth round—unconscious before he hit the canvas. Canelo later admitted he didn’t celebrate the moment, worried for Khan’s health.

Will history repeat itself at 168?

There are clear parallels. Khan had risen from 140 to 147, and then up to a 155-pound catchweight. His frame simply couldn’t handle Canelo’s power. Crawford’s leap is similar—he’s only fought once at 154, having spent years dominating at welterweight.

As the countdown continues, the spotlight grows brighter on both men. Canelo looks to reinforce his dominance. Crawford eyes history. But if Ryan Garcia is right, it may not last long.

Dropped in the second round and outboxed for much of the fight, the former interim champ couldn’t replicate the firepower that led him to knock Devin Haney down three times last year. The outcome not only put a dent in Garcia’s momentum but also clouded plans for a highly anticipated rematch with Haney.

Speaking to YSM Sports Media, Oscar De La Hoya dismissed any notion that the defeat was disastrous. “A little gun shy, that year off. All that power from Rolly. But he’ll go back to the drawing board and he’ll live to see another day. It’s not devastating at all. At all,” he said.

De La Hoya’s confidence

De La Hoya acknowledged the full twelve rounds as a positive takeaway and expressed confidence that Garcia still knows how to reach his best version. “He knows he’s way better than that. He knows what he has to do.”

What’s next? Haney or Rolly again?

Despite the loss and the blow it dealt to the rematch’s appeal, De La Hoya remains convinced that a second fight with Devin Haney is inevitable. “It’ll be back. It has to happen,” he said.

Garcia, for his part, left the door open for either option, expressing interest in running it back with Romero, now the WBA Regular Welterweight Champion, or revisiting unfinished business with Haney. One thing is clear: Garcia’s next step will be decisive in defining whether this was merely a stumble or the start of a longer fall.

[Watch Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero online in the US on DAZN]

Ryan Garcia is set to make his return to the ring following a year marked by controversy. The American fighter initially scored a majority decision win over Devin Haney, but the bout was later ruled a no contest due to a failed drug test.

Looking to put that chapter behind him, Garcia face Rolly Romero, who is aiming to bounce back after a loss to Isaac Cruz. For Romero, this bout represents a critical shot at redemption, and he’s determined not to let it slip away.

When will the Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero fight take place?

This highly anticipated boxing showdown between Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero in the welterweight category is set for this Friday, May 2, at 10:00 PM (ET).

Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM

CT: 9:00 PM

MT: 8:00 PM

PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero in the USA

You can watch the 2025 boxing fight between Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero in the United States on DAZN PPV.

Despite the buzz surrounding Paul’s upcoming clash with Julio César Chávez Jr.—a former champion now approaching 40—Garcia made it clear he isn’t impressed. “There’s only so many 40-year-old dudes out there in the world that have a name,” he told USA Today Sports, pointing to Paul’s continued preference for aging opponents over ranked, prime competition.

For star boxer Ryan Garcia, the issue isn’t personal—it’s about credibility. He believes Paul has delayed facing a true test for long enough, and sees himself as a necessary checkpoint in Jake Paul’s path toward legitimacy. So, he’s going to have to come through me sooner or later,” Garcia declared. “I know he doesn’t want to, though, because I’m going to be firing on him.” but, Garcia didn’t stop there.

He underscored his experience and power, even suggesting that Paul once learned the ropes from him: “I’m the one that taught [Paul] boxing, so he has to see me.” The implication is clear—if Paul wants to be taken seriously, ducking fighters like Garcia will no longer be tolerated by fans or peers alike.

‘Is He even a real boxer?’ Garcia questions Paul’s legitimacy

Garcia’s doubts extend beyond Paul’s opponents to his very identity in the sport. “He’s a wild card. I mean, I don’t know if he’s a boxer. At the end of the day, he’s never fought in a ranked match at his weight class,” he argued, adding: “I don’t even know what his weight class is.”

Jake Paul’s next opportunity to silence critics will come on June 28, when he faces Julio César Chávez Jr. in a bout many view as yet another clash built on name value rather than competitive merit. For Ryan Garcia, though, the message is simple: when Paul finally stops chasing aging names and seeks out real challenges, he knows exactly where to find him.