Teddy Atlas Questions Ryan Garcia’s Mental Readiness

Atlas says discipline and mental control will determine WBC welterweight outcome

Teddy Atlas says Ryan Garcia’s mental discipline will decide whether he wins the WBC welterweight title. Speed alone will not be enough against Mario Barrios.

There is no tune-up here. This is a title fight against a champion who does not give rounds away.

Barrios makes the third defense of his belt at T-Mobile Arena. He is coming off draws with Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao, and he remains a steady welterweight who works behind a firm jab, sets his feet before he throws, and stays composed during long stretches of tactical rounds.

Garcia enters his second title opportunity at 147 pounds. His lone appearance at the weight ended in a decision loss to Rolando Romero. His bout with Devin Haney was later ruled a no-contest following a positive test for ostarine, and a suspension followed. During that period, Garcia admitted he had stepped away from structured camp habits.

Atlas addressed the fight on his YouTube channel and pointed first to Garcia’s physical tools.

“At this point in Barrios’ career – Garcia being younger; Garcia being faster with his hands, a little more explosive. I think that you’d favour Garcia.

“But again… is he okay, mentally? Where is he at? You’ve got to take a gamble: Is he right, mentally?

“It’s been quiet on the western front and, if it’s quiet on the western front with Garcia, that’s good news. If there’s no noise, then maybe things are good … And if I’m going to go with that, I’m gonna say I favour Garcia. Where you’ve got to favour Barrios is you know what you’re gonna get. With Garcia, you don’t know for sure what you’re gonna get.

“At the end of the day, I’ll guess that Garcia will be together.”

Barrios brings consistency. High guard, straight punches, body work when he steps in close, and conditioning that holds in the later rounds.

Garcia carries speed and sharp counters, especially the left hook when he starts with the jab and lets combinations go. At welterweight, he must show he can hold position, absorb shots, and maintain pace across championship rounds.

Atlas’ message is clear. If Garcia shows up disciplined and keeps his mind settled, his speed and punch selection give him a path to the belt. If he loses focus, Barrios’ steady pressure will take over.

Date, Venue, Start Times and Streaming Info

Date: Saturday
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Start time: 6 pm local time, 9 pm ET, 2 am UK
Fight card: Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia, WBC welterweight title
Where to watch: DAZN platform