Barrios Retains WBC welterweight Crown; Benn eyes Next title Shot as Garcia-Barrios Window Shifts
Breaking from San Antonio, Jaron Barrios moved from interim status to the full WBC welterweight champion in June 2024 and has as defended the belt twice, both times leaving the ring with draws. The latest defense came in a close July showdown against Manny Pacquiao, a 46-year-old legend who challenged Barrios for the crown and forced a majority decision in a dramatic contest.
Barrios’ victory tally stands at 29 wins from 33 pro bouts, with 18 knockouts. “Becoming the WBC welterweight world champion was more than a moment—it was a promise to my family, my city and everyone who believed in the grind when no one was watching,” barrios said afterward. “San Antonio built me,and every sacrifice I’ve made accompanies me into that ring.”
The Garcia chapter in this title picture unfolded earlier in 2024. A scheduled WBC light-welterweight title bout between ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in April would have crowned Garcia if he could win the weight, but Garcia missed weight and did not become eligible to capture the belt. Garcia has secured 20 knockout victories in 24 wins, underscoring his punching power despite the setback in the weight class tilt.
Looking ahead, the WBC’s December rankings placed Britain’s Conor Benn at No. 1 in the welterweight division. Benn signaled his intent to pursue the winner of Barrios-Garcia, suggesting the potential for a high-stakes, cross-continental title clash in the near future.Benn publicly stated he would be “watching closely,” and on social media declared that he would claim the belt and bring a new world champion to Britain.
As the welterweight landscape evolves, promoters and fans alike are watching closely for the next steps.The Barrios-Garcia winner would become the center of a busy title scene, with Benn looming as a likely challenger in the No.1 spot.
| Fighter | Current Status | Record (W-L-KO) | Notable Defense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaron Barrios | WBC Welterweight Champion (full title) | 29-4-0 (18 KOs) | Two triumphant defenses via draw |
| Ryan Garcia | challenger in lighter weight; belt possibility tied to weight | 24-0-0 (20 KOs) | Missed weight in April 2024 bout with Haney |
| Conor Benn | No. 1 ranked welterweight; potential next challenger | Record not specified in summary | declared intent to challenge the Barrios-Garcia winner |
Evergreen insights into the welterweight tide
The welterweight division remains one of boxing’s most dynamic weight classes, where title lines can shift quickly due to weigh-ins, rankings, and cross-continental matchups. A defended title via draw can extend a champ’s reign while tests against younger challengers—especially those with high knockout ratios—can redefine who truly sits atop the division. As Benn positions himself as a top challenger, the potential unification or unplanned rematches could frame the sport’s narrative for the next 12 to 18 months.
Two questions loom for fans and analysts alike: will Barrios face Garcia again once both sides settle the business of weight and titles? If Benn climbs to the top spot, how soon can fans expect a blockbuster bout for the belt in Britain or the United States?
Reader engagement: Who do you believe should be next to challenge the WBC welterweight champion—Barrios, Garcia, or Benn? What factors will decide the winner in a Barrios-Garcia rematch or a Benn title bid?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which matchup excites you most as the welterweight era continues to unfold.
Disclaimer: This article covers professional boxing and title implications. Fight results and rankings can change with subsequent bouts and sanctioning body decisions.
Engage with us: who should Barrios face next, and who wins if Benn challenges the winner? Leave your predictions in the comments.
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