On Saturday, Feburary 21st, Ryan Garcia took on Mario Barrios for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title. Going into the bout, both fighters had something to prove. Garcia wanted to prove that he is truly a world title level fighter and Barrios wanted to prove that he is not the “easy pick” champion at 147 pounds.

The former was proven to be true as Garcia outclassed Barrios from start to finish. He knocked Barrios down with a straight right hand in the first 30 seconds of the fight. Barrios was not able to make any adjustments as Garcia’s superior hand and foot speed was on display.

Garcia won all 12 rounds on my scorecard and showed new aspects to his game. The Victorville, California native led with the jab, scored constantly with a powerful straight right hand and moved well, making it very hard for Barrios to hit him with any clean shots. Garcia is now 25-2 with 20 wins by knockout.

Ryan Garcia was already a superstar because of his massive social media following and now as a world champion, will have all of the fighters around 147 pounds, calling him out. Garcia provides a big money fight with a championship opportunity. So, who should Garcia fight next?

Devin Haney

Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia have a long history of being rivals. It goes all the way back to their days as amateur boxers. They have fought once as professionals and Garcia won by unanimous decision, knocking Haney down three times in the bout.

The decision was overturned into a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. There was plenty of drama after the fight, between the camps for Haney and Garcia, which has led to the rematch being maybe the most anticipated fight in all of boxing.

Now, both Haney and Garcia are title holders at 147, which adds more gas to an already bright flame for this fight. This is a big money and big legacy fight for both Haney and Garcia.

Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson defeated Teofimo Lopez in January by unanimous decision in a spectacular performance. Stevenson is now the WBO champion at 140 pounds and arguably the best pound for pound fighter in the sport.

If Stevenson wants to become a champion in five different weight classes then this is the best fight for him to make. This would be a huge money fight with big time stakes on both sides.

Rolando Romero

Rolando “Rolly” Romero is also a belt holder at 147 pounds, who defeated Ryan Garcia in his last bout. Garcia has talked about wanting to avenge his losses to Romero and Gervonta Davis. The Davis fight is very unlikely with the weight cut that Garcia would have to do but the Rolly rematch is right there.

Teofimo Lopez

Teofimo Lopez was dominated by Shakur Stevenson in his last bout and announced that, that was his last fight at 140 pounds as he moves up to 147. Lopez is still a great name to add to your resume, even after his lost to Stevenson.

Ryan Garcia could really solidify himself as true champion at 147 with a win over Lopez who is a two-division champion with a really good resume.

Conor Benn

Conor Benn has the lightest resume of the options that are out there for Garcia. Benn is 24-1 with 14 knockouts and has not been a world champion, as of yet. He is a very popular fighter over in England and could be a big money match-up.

Making the fight happen with Benn also may be difficult because he recently signed with Zuffa Boxing. Will Zuffa be willing to work with Golden Boy and DAZN? We just have to wait and see how well Zuffa plays with others.

Who do you want to see Ryan Garcia face next?