Boxing star Ryan Garcia reportedly tested positive for banned substances twice following his fight with Devin Haney last month, according to a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) letter sent to both fighters and camps.
According to the sample results, it is alleged that the 25-year-old welterweight has tested positive for ostarine, a substance that enhances performance. The samples were collected before the fight, but the conclusive results were obtained afterward. Garcia has 10 days to request testing of a secondary sample to refute the original results.
Garcia immediately denounced the news. Claiming his innocence, he wrote on X, “Fake f*cking news. I never took a steroid in my f*cking life. I beat Devin fair and square.”
Garcia continued to deny claims on social media, suggesting a witch hunt after visiting Trump. “Hmm, I’m seen with Trump,” he tweets during the rant. “And now I’m positive for steroids. This is a straight attack. Crazy.”
Garcia denied the allegations and made light of the situation on social media with tweets about drug tests, Ashwagandha Root bottles, possible outcomes, and religious references. Fans’ reactions differentiated from concern to outrage to disappointment.
Garcia’s opponent, Devin Haney, issued a statement to ESPN after the news requesting that Ryan issue an apology to the fans. Haney told 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.”
After news of Garcia’s claims went viral, promoter Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions issued a statement in support. The statement reads: “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 this further once we conclude that process.”
Following an investigation, Garcia versus Haney could change to a no-contest, with Ryan penalized with banishment, fines, and more. Ryan claimed a $12 million payout after betting $2 million on himself.
More as this story develops.