Ryan Garcia continues to claim innocence and corruption for two failed doping tests on Devin Haney fight week, but the walls are closing in on the young fighter to provide an evidence-based explanation.
The 25-year-old worried fans with some of his actions during the promotional period before coming in over weight by 3 pounds and therefore unable to compete for Haney’s WBC 140 title.
In amongst all the noise and controversy, Garcia produced a noteworthy performance, dropping the slick champion three times on his way to a points win and the first loss of Haney’s career.
That crowning moment has since been tainted by news that he tested positive for banned substance Ostarine the day before and the day of his upset win.
Writing in the Mirror, Hall of Fame fighter Barry McGuigan said that, if the samples were proven to contain the substance, Garcia should be banned indefinitely.
“Zero tolerance is the only way. If Ryan Garcia’s second sample confirms the presence of the performance enhancing drug found in the first test, he should not be allowed in a ring again. Simple as that.”
With the B-sample now confirming Ostarine – and despite Garcia’s team saying levels are consistent with supplement contamination – McGuigan’s opinion of the young fighter will be sealed.
He explained why.
“Boxing is dangerous enough. Just ask Gerald McClellan or Michael Watson. Back in 1982 Young Ali fell into a coma after our fight and died. I was devastated and did not know if I could carry on with the sport.
But to suffer a fatality to illegal drug use would be unforgivable. Garcia’s followers laughed at the psychological game he played before the Haney bout. Now it does not seem so funny.
We have been here before, but this, assuming the results are verified, is an opportunity for the sport to act decisively and make an example of someone. Boxing always finds ways of allowing dopers to fight on which perpetuates the problem.”
Finally, the fighter turned manager and promoter said the weight discrepancy should have stopped the fight in the first instance.
“Garcia should never have been allowed to box the first place. Failing to make the weight is just another way of cheating. The requirement to make weight is a contract with your opponent to do the right thing, to play by the rules, to honour the sport.”
Garcia is now expected to be called in front of the New York State Athletic Commission for further action.
