Ryan Garcia banned from boxing for a year due to doping

Ryan Garcia has received a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission following his positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. Additionally, his prior victory against Devin Haney has been declared a no-contest by the commission. As a consequence, Garcia must surrender the $1 million he earned from the fight and pay a $10,000 fine. This is prepared by SSP.

The New York State Athletic Commission stated that Garcia would be eligible to resume fighting in the state after April 20, 2025, provided he passes a drug test. Emphasizing their commitment to upholding professional standards and safeguarding sports integrity, the commission expressed their dedication to maintaining these principles in all the sports within their jurisdiction.

While the suspension solely affects fights held in New York, it is typical for other athletic commissions to honor rulings across various jurisdictions. Consequently, Garcia's ability to compete in other locations may also be impacted.

Prior to news of the suspension, Garcia stated on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that he would be retiring from boxing. Later, he even expressed his interest in speaking with UFC President Dana White about potential opportunities within that organization. The boxer asserted his innocence, suggesting that he had been abandoned by the sport, despite his willingness to face any opponent.

Garcia's legal team released a statement claiming that their client had unintentionally become a victim of substance contamination. They emphasized that Garcia had consistently passed drug tests, even during periods when he was not training for a fight, and firmly contended that he has never knowingly taken any banned substances.

ESPN previously reported that Garcia's A-sample had tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine, both prior to and on the day of the bout with Haney, according to a letter from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Ostarine, a banned selective androgen receptor modulator, has the potential to stimulate muscle growth and is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Nevertheless, the test results were reportedly not disclosed until later.

In their highly anticipated fight, Garcia defeated Haney via a majority decision, earning the WBC super lightweight champion his first loss. However, due to exceeding the weight limit, Garcia was unable to claim the title.

Haney expressed his gratitude towards the commission in an interview with ESPN, acknowledging that justice was served. Reflecting on the situation, he shared his determination to grow from this experience and looked forward to spending time with family and friends while contemplating his next steps.