Repercussions for Ryan Garcia’s positive test for performance-enhancing drugs have become a reality, erasing a massive upset.
Garcia (24-1) tested positive for ostarine in VADA tests before and on the day of his fight against Devin Haney on April 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., putting his majority decision victory in jeopardy. Garcia submitted a “B” sample, which also returned positive for the banned substance.
Despite denying intentional PED use, the boxing star has reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission, including overturning the win over Haney (31-0) to a no contest, according to a first report from boxing journalist Dan Rafael.
In addition, Garcia has agreed to a one-year suspension from boxing, must forfeit his $1.1M official contract purse to Golden Boy Promotions, and must pay the commission a $10,000 fine, which is the maximum the state allows.
Garcia’s team addressed the issue in a statement, maintaining that the boxer did not intentionally take a banned substance.
“Ryan Garcia was a victim of substance contamination, with levels measured in the billions and trillions of a gram, which provided no advantage whatsoever in the ring,” Team Garcia wrote in a statement.
“Ryan, with his legal team, has resolved this issue and firmly maintains his truth: he never intentionally took any banned substance. It’s simply not in his nature.
“For many years, Ryan has voluntarily submitted to random testing, even during out-of-competition periods, and has never had any issues. He has maintained an impeccable and clean record throughout his career, significantly elevating and transcending the sport of boxing, earning respect and admiration from millions of fans worldwide.
“The fans will always remember his performance against Haney as a masterclass, and that will never be erased.
“Ryan will continue to elevate the sport and will be actively involved in advocating for reform. We hope future changes in our system will address issues like this one.
“We want to thank all of the fans who have continued to support Ryan, not only during the great moments but also through the difficult times that life brings. He will be back in the ring soon and better than ever!”
The loss was the first of Haney’s professional career, but due to the settlement, will once again see a zero in his loss column.
“I want to thank the commission and the fans who stood by me during this whole process,” Haney told ESPN. “The facts are the facts, and I wasn’t on an even playing field. Happy I was able to receive justice for what happened. It’s all part of my story and it’s only going to make me better. I look to enjoy this time with my family and friends and see what’s next.
“I’m a clean athlete and boxing is a brutal sport where one fight can literally change your life. I think it important for fighters to be clean and I want to become an advocate for clean athletes for my experience in this situation.”
The no contest result is the first for both 25-year-old boxers.
