A Full year is a killer penalty, knowing that these athletes only have so many prime years in the sport.
Boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has been handed a one-year suspension after settling with the New York State Athletic Commission due to his positive test results for the banned substance ostarine. This suspension, effective retroactively from his April 20 victory against Devin Haney, has led to the overturning of this win to a no-contest, as announced on Thursday.
Ryan Garcia Suspended For 1 Year, Devin Haney Lost Becomes No Contest After Positive PED Test!. 😮😳 pic.twitter.com/QBvVqE0Brk
— MrBfloss (@MrBflossDzNutz) June 21, 2024
Garcia, aged 25, is also required to forfeit his fight purse, which was publicly disclosed as $1.2 million, although his total guaranteed earnings were significantly higher. Additionally, the commission has imposed a $10,000 fine on him. Expressing gratitude towards the commission and his supporters, Garcia emphasized his commitment to clean sport. He expressed his intent to advocate for drug-free competition, reflecting on the risks in boxing where a single fight can alter one’s life dramatically.
Under the terms of the settlement, Garcia will be eligible for reinstatement on April 20, 2025, contingent upon a clean urine test showing no banned substances. The agreement precludes the need for a formal hearing, streamlining the resolution process. Haney’s attorney, Pat English, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the financial forfeiture involved.
Devin Haney’s father/trainer Bill Haney reacting to Ryan Garcia claiming he’s now retired from boxing: “In 48 hours Ryan Garcia will be suspended.”
[🎥 Bill Haney] pic.twitter.com/y5nTltOp7L
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 20, 2024
At the time of their fight, Haney was ranked as ESPN’s No. 6 pound-for-pound boxer and was heavily favored to win. However, Garcia’s weight issues—he was 3.2 pounds over the limit for the 140-pound title contest—rendered him ineligible to claim the WBC junior welterweight title, which remained with Haney despite being knocked down multiple times during the fight. This decision defeat has now been expunged from Haney’s record, restoring his unbeaten streak to 31-0.
The commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining high professional standards and ensuring the integrity of sports under its jurisdiction. Garcia’s career has seen previous interruptions, including a 15-month hiatus to address mental health concerns and recover from hand surgery. His team insists on his innocence, claiming the intake of the banned substance was not intentional.
RYAN GARCIA SUSPENDED 1 YEAR!
New York State commission has ruled on the Ryan Garcia PED case! They have ruled the fight a no contest and fined him $1.1 Million.
Ryan now 24-1
Haney now 31-0 pic.twitter.com/d8Hm8EHLwl— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) June 20, 2024
Ostarine, the substance in question, has been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency since 2008 due to its muscle-building and performance-enhancing effects. Other boxers, including Lucian Bute and Amir Khan, have faced similar repercussions for testing positive for this substance. Garcia, maintaining his innocence, voiced his defiance against the allegations on social media, emphasizing his conviction in his clean status.
Major Points:
- Ryan Garcia has been suspended for one year by the New York State Athletic Commission due to a positive test for the banned substance ostarine, with the suspension retroactive to his April 20 fight.
- The victory over Devin Haney has been changed to a no-contest, and Garcia must forfeit his $1.2 million fight purse and pay a $10,000 fine.
- Garcia expressed his commitment to being a clean athlete and plans to advocate for drug-free sports, despite the setback.
- He will be eligible for reinstatement on April 20, 2025, pending a clean drug test.
- The issue has raised concerns about integrity in sports, as ostarine is known for its performance-enhancing effects and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
