A recent letter from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association disclosed that star boxer Ryan Garcia had tested positive for Ostarine, a performance-enhancing substance, both the day before and the day of his surprising victory over Devin Haney last month. Despite the samples being collected before the fight, the results were only revealed later.
Garcia now has a 10-day window to request testing of his B-sample. Additionally, Garcia’s A-sample also showed traces of 19-Norandrosterone, although its confirmation is pending.
In response, Garcia vehemently denied any wrongdoing in a video posted on X, stating, “Everybody knows that I don’t cheat. Never taken a steroid… I beat his ass.” Golden Boy Promotions, led by Oscar De La Hoya, expressed support for Garcia, asserting their belief in his innocence and vowing to investigate the situation further.
However, Haney, Garcia’s opponent, expressed disappointment and frustration, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the risks involved in boxing. He demanded an apology from Garcia, highlighting the inherent dangers of the sport.
Furthermore, Garcia’s failure to make weight ahead of the fight added another layer of controversy, with Haney retaining his junior welterweight title despite the defeat.
The New York State Athletic Commission affirmed its commitment to safety and integrity in sports, acknowledging the ongoing investigation into the matter.
Ostarine, a banned substance known for its muscle-building properties, has been associated with previous doping cases in boxing, including Lucian Bute and Amir Khan.
