Boxer Ryan Garcia’s incredible upset victory over Devin Haney on April 20th is under a dark cloud after multiple reports surfaced that Garcia failed a pre-fight drug test for a banned performance-enhancing substance.
In one of boxing’s biggest upsets of 2024 so far, the 24-year-old Ryan Garcia overcame long odds by dropping Haney three times en route to a majority decision win to hand the unbeaten star his first career loss.
Ryan Garcia tested positive for the PED Ostarine the day before and the day of his upset win over Devin Haney, per a VADA letter obtained by ESPN. Garcia has 10 days to request his B-sample be tested. A-sample also screened positive for 19-norandrosterone but unconfirmed.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 2, 2024
Garcia’s triumph came despite missing the contracted weight by over 3 pounds days earlier.
Failed Drug Test Allegations Surface
However, just weeks after the shocker, veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael broke the news that Garcia had failed a VADA drug test taken on April 19th – the day before the Haney fight in Las Vegas.
Rafael cited sources claiming Garcia tested positive for the banned PED ostarine.
Rafael’s report was soon corroborated by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, who obtained a letter from VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) confirming Garcia’s “adverse analytical finding” from a sample collected on April 20th after the bout as well.
If the “A” and “B” sample results are upheld through disciplinary processes, Garcia could face sanctions, including a suspension, fine, and having his upset win overturned to a no-contest.
Strange Pre-Fight Behavior Called Into Question
In the lead-up to his career-defining fight against Haney, Garcia exhibited bizarre behavior that is now being re-examined in light of the alleged PED use.
He went on incoherent social media rants about conspiracy theories, claimed to have evidence of aliens, and admitted to drinking alcohol heavily despite being in training camp.
After beating Haney, Garcia insisted this was all an “elite-level troll” designed to get under Haney’s skin and promote the fight through outrageous actions.
But his antics were so erratic that many wondered if deeper issues were at play.
Garcia’s Post-Allegation Response
Upon the drug test failure reports going public, Garcia initially responded with dismissive posts on social media featuring crying emojis and “lol.”
He then went live to vehemently deny the allegations:
“You guys can see fake news. Fake f—ing news. Don’t believe these f—ers. I never f—ing took a steroid in my life…Supposedly they had it already but they release it after I win? It makes no sense.”
Garcia claimed he was clean on fight night based on testing. He also alleged a conspiracy, saying “Somebody paying somebody” to falsely accuse him after his career-best win.
Career At A Crossroads
If the “B” sample upholds the initial failed test, it could prove disastrous for the former prospect once considered the next face of boxing.
After losing to Gervonta Davis in 2023, Garcia’s upset of Haney resurrected his career and set up potential mega-fights.
But a doping violation could result in that victory being wiped out, in addition to a lengthy suspension that could derail Garcia’s momentum completely at the age of 24.
The boxing world awaits the final resolution to determine the extent of discipline for one of the sport’s most talented yet erratic young stars.
The Information is Taken from ABC News and MSN
