The boxing world was rocked when it was revealed that Ryan Garcia, the controversial 25 year old fighter, had tested positive for the banned substance ostarine both before and after his big win over Devin Haney in Brooklyn last spring. This news led to the overturning of his victory over Haney and a suspension from fighting in New York for a year. The New York State Athletic Commission did not take Garcia’s offense lightly, as they also fined him ten thousand dollars for fighting with a performance-enhancing drug in his system.
Financial and Professional Consequences
In addition to the suspension and fine, Garcia also had to bid farewell to a substantial amount of money. The million-plus dollars that made up the purse for the Haney fight will now be forfeited by Garcia. While he did earn more money from the fight, losing a million dollars is a significant blow to his finances. The loss of both the victory and the money was undoubtedly a harsh reality check for the fighter, who goes by the moniker “King Ry”.
Devin Haney, who was on the receiving end of Garcia’s domination in their April bout, expressed gratitude towards the commission for making the right decision and changing the loss to a “no contest” on the official record. On the other hand, Garcia took to social media to voice his anger and frustration at having his victory taken away. His retirement announcement, made just a day before the commission’s ruling, raised eyebrows and left many questioning his motives and sincerity. Garcia’s social media posts following the ruling hinted at his defiance and determination to bounce back from the setback.
In a surprising turn of events, Garcia also hinted at a potential move to the UFC, the top mixed martial arts organization. His statement about heading to the UFC and encouraging Dana White to reach out to him left fans and pundits speculating about his future in combat sports. This announcement added another layer of complexity to Garcia’s already tumultuous situation and signaled a potential shift in his career trajectory.
Golden Boy Promotions’ Response
Amidst the chaos surrounding Garcia’s positive drug test and subsequent fallout, his promoter Golden Boy Promotions maintained a united front for the media. The irony of receiving Garcia’s forfeited purse was not lost on the boxing community, as the focus shifted towards the fallout of one of the sport’s rising stars. The handling of Garcia’s situation by Golden Boy Promotions will undoubtedly shape his future in the sport and influence his potential comeback.
Ryan Garcia’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring fighters about the consequences of performance-enhancing drugs and the importance of upholding the integrity of the sport. His journey from rising star to tainted figure underscores the thin line between success and downfall in the ruthless world of combat sports. As Garcia navigates the fallout of his positive drug test and contemplates his future, the boxing world watches with bated breath to see if he can overcome this adversity and rise once again.