Overview
- The WBC Board of Governors voted on Nov. 4 to lift Garcia's ban, making him eligible to compete for the council's world championships again.
- Garcia posted that he is "officially unbanned" and thanked the sanctioning body for recognizing his efforts to change.
- He was expelled last July over racist and Islamophobic social-media posts, coming after a positive ostarine test that led NYSAC to overturn his Devin Haney win to a no contest and issue a one-year suspension.
- Reports say a WBC welterweight title bout with champion Mario Barrios is being discussed for early 2026, with talks progressing but no deal finalized.
- Garcia is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Rolando Romero in May 2025, while Barrios most recently fought to a majority draw with Manny Pacquiao in July.