WBC world welterweight champion, American boxer Ryan Garcia (26-2, 21 KOs), has officially announced his intention to face legendary compatriot Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs). According to the 28-year-old champion, the bout will take place on February 6, 2027, in Las Vegas and will have the status of a full professional fight rather than an exhibition show. Garcia expressed absolute confidence that he will be the one to hand the 49-year-old Mayweather his first professional defeat.
"I'm Taking His Zero"
"We have an announcement. We are fighting Floyd Mayweather on February 6. This is not an exhibition, this is a real fight. I am taking his zero. It's happening in Vegas. I'm going to beat him up good. I want him in the hospital for two days. I'm not joking," Garcia told reporters. This level of aggression in the 28-year-old champion's rhetoric emphasizes that he views the upcoming encounter not as a commercial event, but as an opportunity to cement his name in boxing history by shattering an unbroken streak of 50 consecutive wins.
Legal and Administrative Obstacles
Despite the boldness of the announcement, organizing the fight comes with serious hurdles. First, Floyd Mayweather himself had not confirmed the agreement at the time of publication. Second, before obtaining a fighting license, Garcia and his team must convince the Nevada State Athletic Commission of the bout's admissibility. Third, Mayweather faces legal issues: CSI Sports filed a lawsuit regarding rights to potential fights between the American and Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao, which could potentially affect any of his other ring projects.
WBC Stance and Title Fight Status
Despite Mayweather not competing in the welterweight division for over a decade, World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaimán confirmed that the organization is ready to sanction the bout as a title fight. The condition is that Floyd makes the weight limit and successfully passes all necessary medical tests. Thus, subject to formal requirements, the bout will receive the status of a WBC championship defense, radically distinguishing it from the usual exhibition shows Mayweather has occasionally participated in since retirement.
Fighters' Form and Context
Ryan Garcia last stepped into the ring on September 12, 2026, when he knocked out British fighter Conor Benn in the second round. Consequently, the champion will have about three months to prepare before the announced date. Floyd Mayweather, on the other hand, has not fought an official professional bout since August 2017, when he defeated Conor McGregor. On December 19, 2026, the American has an exhibition bout scheduled in Bangkok against Matty Floyd, which Mayweather himself publicly called a preparation stage for the upcoming clash with Garcia. The combination of these factors indicates that, despite the lack of official confirmation from Mayweather, work on organizing the fight is already underway.
