Boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has reportedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) following his upset victory over Devin Haney last month.
The 25-year-old fighter delivered a thrilling performance at the Barclays Center, knocking down Haney three times over 12 enthralling rounds to secure what was deemed the biggest win of his career.
However, Garcia’s triumph has been overshadowed by allegations of doping, as reports emerge of his positive test for the banned substance Ostarine.
Boxing journalist Dan Rafael broke the news on Wednesday night, revealing that Garcia had failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test.
Why in the world would I volunteer for a drug test if I planned on taking drugs?
Make it make sense???
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 2, 2024
According to Rafael’s report, Garcia’s urine samples from both the day before and the day of the bout returned positive results for Ostarine, casting a shadow over his recent victory.
Additional concerns were raised as ESPN’s Mike Coppinger noted that a sample also screened positive for 19-norandrosterone, although this remains unconfirmed.
Garcia swiftly took to social media to address the allegations, vehemently denying any wrongdoing. In a video posted online, he lashed out against the accusations, asserting his innocence and questioning the timing of the reports.
“I came on here to address this bull-f***ing-s**t claim that I cheated,” Garcia stated in the video. “Everybody knows I don’t cheat. What can I say? Why didn’t they come out with this before, if they found it before? Why would they still let me into the ring? I came out with a victory and then they post this.”
Fake news like if I was Donald trump pic.twitter.com/PVg5EW7yLd
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 2, 2024
Garcia continued to refute the reports through a series of impassioned social media posts, suggesting ulterior motives behind the allegations and insinuating that his association with former President Donald Trump may have played a role.
Hmm I’m seen with trump
And now I’m positive for steroids
This is a straight attack
Crazy
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 2, 2024
Despite the controversy, Garcia remained resolute in his stance, declaring that he would not entertain a rematch with Haney and accusing detractors of attempting to undermine his achievements.
During a live stream on the platform X, Garcia was joined by close friends who echoed his claims of innocence and pledged their unwavering support. The stream, however, was abruptly ended after just four minutes.
“I don’t even know how to get steroids, I don’t even know what it looks like,” Garcia insisted to his fans, as his friends reiterated their backing.
