BREAKING NEWS: Ryan García in SERIOUS condition after Mario Barrios ATTACKS him!
Las Vegas, Nevada – February 23, 2026 – The boxing world is shocked this morning after the violent altercation that occurred just minutes after Ryan García defeated Mario Barrios by technical knockout in the ninth round at the T-Mobile Arena. What should have been a victory celebration turned into a scene of absolute chaos when Barrios, still bleeding and with his face swollen, lunged at Garcia in the interview area just as the American champion was being interviewed by Jim Gray for Showtime Boxing.
According to eyewitnesses and security camera recordings leaked in the last few hours, Barrios – visibly out of control – violently pushed García from behind while he was answering questions about his impressive performance. The opening blow was a direct punch to the left side of Garcia’s head, followed by a series of uncontrolled punches before both boxers’ security team and corner members managed to separate them. García fell to the ground, hitting the back of his head against the edge of the interview platform. The impact was so strong that he lost consciousness immediately.
Paramedics and medical personnel from the Nevada Athletic Commission responded in less than 30 seconds. Garcia was stabilized at the scene with a cervical collar and rushed to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he remains in critical condition in the neurological intensive care unit. Hospital sources confirmed to ESPN that García suffers from severe head trauma, cerebral edema and possible subdural hemorrhage. His prognosis is guarded and doctors are working to control intracranial pressure. He is expected to undergo emergency surgery in the next few hours if the swelling does not subside.
Mario Barrios was immediately detained by venue security and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers. He was taken to the Clark County Jail on charges of aggravated assault resulting in serious injury and possible attempted murder. Initial bail was set at $2 million, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 25. Barrios, who had announced his immediate retirement after the loss in the ring, offered no statements before being handcuffed and taken out of the room.
### What exactly happened in those fateful seconds?
Footage from security cameras and mobile phones of spectators has been widely circulated in recent hours. The sequence is chilling:
22:48 – The fight is stopped by TKO. García raises his arms in victory. Barrios, still in his corner, receives medical attention for a cut over his left eye and obvious swelling in his jaw. – 10:50 p.m. – García enters the ring for the interview with Jim Gray. Barrios, now outside the ring but still in the area reserved for boxers, walks towards the press area escorted by his team. – 22:51:40 – When García answers the first question (“Ryan, what did it feel like to get this knockout?”), Barrios approaches from behind.
Without saying a word, he pushes García on the back with both hands. García loses his balance and falls forward, but manages to hold on to the microphone.- 22:51:48 – Barrios throws a punch with his right that hits García’s left temple directly. The American falls to his knees and then to his side. His head hits the elevated interview platform hard.- 22:51:55 – Security and members of both boxers’ teams intervene. Barrios is reduced to less than 10 seconds while shouting unintelligible phrases. García remains motionless on the ground.
Eyewitnesses, including journalists from ESPN and DAZN, agree that Barrios seemed “out of control” and “disconnected from reality.” Some claim to have heard him shout “It doesn’t end like this!” and “You stole my career!” before being subdued.
### Immediate reactions from the boxing world
The news spread like wildfire. In a matter of minutes, social networks were flooded with videos of the attack and statements of condemnation.
– **Ryan Garcia (from the hospital, through his team)**: “I’m fighting. I don’t know what happened to Mario. I just want to be with my family. Please pray for me.”- **Oscar De La Hoya (Garcia’s promoter)**: “This is a tragedy. Mario Barrios crossed a line that no boxer should ever cross. Ryan is fighting for his life. This is not boxing, this is attempted murder.”- **Terence Crawford**: “Mario was a great champion and a good person. I don’t understand what happened. This destroys the entire community. Strength, Ryan.”- **Shakur Stevenson**: “This is unforgivable.
Nobody deserves this after a fight. Mario… what happened to you?”- **Eddie Hearn**: “Boxing has rules inside and outside the ring. What Barrios did is indefensible. I hope Ryan makes a full recovery.”
The Nevada Athletic Commission immediately opened a criminal and sports investigation. Barrios’ promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, issued a statement condemning “any act of violence outside the ring” and announcing that it was terminating any outstanding contractual relationship with the boxer. The WBA announced that the welterweight title is vacant until further notice.
### The context behind Barrios’ emotional collapse
Sources close to Barrios’ team revealed that the former champion had been dealing with serious personal problems in recent months: severe depression, anxiety and a family breakdown after his wife announced their divorce weeks before the fight. According to these sources, Barrios partly blamed García for “stealing his thunder” in the promotion and felt that his career “had been overshadowed” by the scandals and the Californian’s charisma.
Joe Goossen, who had been his coach for seven years, declared minutes after the attack: **“Mario was not the same. I saw him break down mentally after the loss. But what he did tonight has no justification. I can’t defend him. I pray for Ryan and for Mario’s family.”**
Las Vegas police confirmed that Barrios will undergo mandatory psychiatric evaluation before any hearing. His bail remains at $5 million due to the risk of flight and the severity of the injuries caused.
### The uncertain future of two careers and one life at stake
Ryan Garcia remains in an induced coma while doctors try to control brain swelling. His team has asked for absolute privacy for the family. If he survives, doctors warn he could face serious, career-ending neurological consequences.
Mario Barrios, for his part, faces charges of aggravated assault resulting in serious injuries and possible attempted murder. If convicted, he could spend decades in prison.
Boxing, once again, faces its darkest side: the extremely fine line between passion and uncontrolled violence. What started as a night of redemption for Ryan Garcia ended in tragedy for both men.
The sport cries for García and Barrios. But above all, cry for what could have been and will never be.