Overview
- Garcia said on his Kick stream that he declined a $20–$25 million offer from Jake Paul because he wanted a sanctioned world title opportunity.
- Oscar De La Hoya confirmed Garcia will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on Feb. 21, 2026 in Las Vegas.
- De La Hoya pointed to Golden Boy’s DAZN deal and Paul’s Netflix arrangement as the main obstacle to making Garcia–Paul.
- After Gervonta Davis’ exhibition with Paul fell through, Paul pursued other names and ultimately lost to Anthony Joshua by sixth‑round knockout in December 2025.
- Devin Haney publicly disputed Garcia’s account of the declined offer, asserting that De La Hoya prevented the bout rather than Garcia turning it down.