Boxing star Ryan Garcia and his team have responded strongly after reports emerged that his B sample tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. Garcia shocked the boxing community when he defeated former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney on April 21. Despite the win, Haney retained his WBC super lightweight title as Garcia missed weight. Garcia justified his decision, stating, “Why would I force myself to make weight so I can be weak. Nah I’m here to win. That’s it.”
The fight, which went the distance, saw Garcia emerge victorious with scores of 114-110 and 115-109 from two judges, while one judge called it a 112-112 draw. However, the victory was marred by reports of Garcia testing positive for Ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug that helps build muscle mass and aid weight loss. Boxing journalist Dan Rafael reported via his Fight Freaks Unite substack that Garcia failed urine tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) before and on the day of the fight.
Garcia vehemently denied the allegations in a series of expletive-laden tweets, claiming: “Fake fing news, don’t believe these fers, bro. I never fing took a steroid in my fing life.” He accused those behind the news of trying to tarnish his victory, further stating, “They’re cheating by trying to take my victory. Fk them, fk these motherfkers, tell them to suck my dk.”
After opting to test his B sample, which also returned a positive result, Garcia tweeted sarcastically: “Lets go we positive. Positive vibes bruh. Yess so happy.” He followed up with another post, “I F**KING LOVE STERIODS [sic].” He later deleted these tweets but not before adding, “I don’t care I’ll never make money again with boxing. Your loss not mine.”
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Garcia is expected to present his case to the New York State Athletic Commission, which sanctioned the fight. Haney’s team is pushing for the result to be overturned, either to a no contest or a disqualification. Haney’s attorney, Patrick English, argued for a disqualification, citing Garcia’s two failed tests, his admission of missing weight for an advantage, and alleged use of IV bags, which are against New York rules without a therapeutic use exemption.
Garcia’s legal team contended that an independent hair-sample analysis came back negative, suggesting contamination rather than long-term use. “Ryan Garcia is committed to clean and fair competition and has never intentionally used any banned substance,” they stated. They added that Garcia has consistently tested negative throughout his career and are investigating potential supplement contamination as the cause.
Senior writer for Ring Magazine Jake Donovan shared a statement from Golden Boy Boxing, reaffirming their support for Garcia and blaming supplement contamination for the adverse results. Haney responded on X, dismissing the hair test and alleging Garcia’s team knew he would test positive.
The New York State Athletic Commission is still reviewing the case, with no hearing scheduled yet. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity and upholding anti-doping rules.
Garcia’s recent erratic behavior, including public feuds and personal drama, has raised concerns among boxing officials and fans alike.
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