Ryan Garcia failed drugs test reports: Boxer responds on social ...
Ryan Garcia has taken to social media with an extraordinary response to a reported failed drugs test taken before the Devin Haney fight.
Haney, who previously held all the marbles at lightweight, held a long-standing rivalry with Garcia going back to their amateur days, with a 3-3 record in the 'series' heading into their showdown in New York City last month.
With both men now up at super-lightweight, 'The Dream' was the heavy favourite to retain his WBC title in the 'rubber match', with much of the build-up being focused on Garcia's social media activity.
So much so, in fact, that the New York State Athletic Commission requested for the Californian star to undergo a "mental health evaluation" to "protect the safety of all participants" before sanctioning the fight, following commentary on subjects ranging from Tupac Shakur conspiracy theories to UFOs.
On the scales, 'King Ry' then lost his chance of taking the title, weighing in over three pounds heavier than the 140-pound championship limit. A day later, he produced a career-best performance to hand his foe a first loss in the pro ranks, sending him to the canvas en route.
That victory has now been thrown into question, with widespread reports claiming VADA (the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) had sent a letter to both fighters and promoters stating that Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance ostarine.
Further tests on the A-sample collected before the fight are being conducted, with the 25-year-old now able to request his B-sample to be tested. Ostarine, found in his urine sample, can improve stamina, fat loss and muscle gain.
Amir Khan was the most recent high-profile boxer to test positive for ostarine, with the British superstar still serving his two-year ban having taken it prior to a comprehensive defeat to Kell Brook in 2022.
Garcia's promoter, the Oscar De La Hoya-led Golden Boy, released the following statement in response: "Ryan has put out multiple statements denying knowingly using any banned substances - and we believe him.
"We are working with his team to determine how this finding came to be and will address further once we conclude that process."
The man himself reacted in a more machine-gun fashion, firing shots via his X account. He first jokingly said he tested positive for a stress-reducing supplement, before adding "no weapon against me shall prosper" and "I need more steroids, I'm addicted".
He went on to pledge he'd "find out who paid to create this lie" because "they are trying to take my greatest victory away" - one which he has now vehemently refused to rematch as he "won fair and square".
Garcia added: "Why in the world would I volunteer for a drug test if I planned on taking drugs? Make it make sense."
Haney has since released a statement of his own to ESPN: "We learned about this situation not too long ago and it's unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice.
"Ryan owes the fans an apology, and by his recent tweet he still thinks this is a joke. We put our lives on the line to entertain people for a living. You don't play boxing.
"This puts the fight in a completely different light. Despite the disadvantage, I still fought on my shield and got back up! People die in this sport. This isn't a joking matter."
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