• Ryan Garcia says he’s healthy and ready for the Feb. 21 WBC welterweight title fight vs. Mario Barrios.
  • Garcia called his former trainer Joe Goossen a “traitor” after Goossen joined Barrios’ camp.
  • Barrios — trained by Goossen since Dec. 1 — aims to solidify his credibility as champion.
  • The fight will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view.

Garcia vows comeback, takes aim at a former mentor

Ryan Garcia said Thursday he is finally healthy and focused as he prepares to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Feb. 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout, available on DAZN pay-per-view, marks Garcia’s chance at redemption after a turbulent period that included a failed drug test, a one-year suspension and a knockout loss to Gervonta Davis in 2023.

‘A traitor,’ Garcia says

At a prefight news conference in Hollywood, Garcia publicly criticized Joe Goossen — the veteran trainer who worked with him in 2022 — after Goossen joined Barrios’ camp. Garcia called Goossen a “traitor,” saying the move felt personal after Goossen had helped him earlier in his career.

Goossen defended his decision, stressing that boxing is a business and that he took the Barrios job to help a world champion who needed a coach. “The change was going to happen anyway; it just so happened that we got Ryan Garcia now,” Goossen said.

Background: a split that came after tough losses

Goossen worked with Garcia following his split from Canelo Álvarez’s camp, helping through victories over Emmanuel Tagoe and Javier Fortuna. The partnership ended after Garcia’s 2023 knockout loss to Gervonta Davis.

After the split, Garcia worked with Derrick James for several fights, including the 2024 matchup against Devin Haney that was later ruled a no contest after Garcia tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Garcia also admitted he was out of the gym for much of his suspension, saying he didn’t care about boxing for a time.

Garcia’s preparation and health

Garcia said he recovered quickly from recent right-hand surgery and has returned to training with his father, Henry Garcia, in his corner. He acknowledged mistakes before his loss to Rolando Romero — including being rushed in preparation and a difficult weight cut — and said he learned from them.

What a win means for Barrios

Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) has faced high-profile names like Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugás, but critics have called him an “accessible champion.” Barrios, who began training with Goossen on Dec. 1 after parting ways with Bob Santos, said beating Garcia would cement his standing and reward years of sacrifice.

For Goossen, 72, the Barrios assignment continues a long career that includes training fighters such as Diego “Chico” Corrales. He said he felt honored when Barrios asked him to step in.

Looking ahead

The matchup pitches a high-profile challenger trying to rebuild his career against a champion seeking validation. With emotions heightened by the trainer switch, the fight now carries not just a title on the line but a storyline about loyalty and redemption.

Fight night: Feb. 21, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas — DAZN pay-per-view.

Image Referance: https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2026-01-23/ryan-garcia-calls-out-joe-goossen-ahead-of-mario-barrios-title-fight