American boxer, Ryan Garcia has been suspended one year after he reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission following his positive tests for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine.
TWO TESTS CONFIRM IT
The 25-year-old tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in two separate tests taken before his fight with Devin Haney on 20 April.
ABOUT OSTARINE
Ostarine, a non-steroidal drug used to support muscle growth, has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned substance list since 2008.
HIS PUNISHMENT
Garcia’s victory against Haney will now be recorded as a no-contest – meaning Haney’s undefeated record is restored.
He must also forfeit his £950,000 ($1.2m) contract purse from the Haney fight and pay a £7,900 ($10,000) fine.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The New York State Athletic Commission confirmed Garcia would be suspended until 20 April 2025 and would need to provide a clean urine test before his licence could be reissued.
‘The Commission will continue to hold athletes to the highest professional standards and protect the integrity of all sports under our jurisdiction,’ a statement read.
READ ALSO: Ashanti and Nelly are waiting for the birth of their FIRST child together after secret marriage
GARCIA DENIES AND BLAMES
Garcia, who denied taking the substance, blamed ‘contamination’ from a tainted supplement.
The American, who wrote on X on 19 June that he was ‘retired’, responded to the ban by saying: ‘I was already retired so I’ll just come back out of retirement for a year.’
He added: ‘I never cheated.’
Garcia has just one defeat on his 25-fight record, a 2023 loss to Gervonta Davis, and is considered one of the biggest stars in American boxing.
HIS OPPONENT, HANEY LOVES THE NEWS
Haney, whose record returns to 31 victories in 31 fights, took to X: ‘Thank you to commission for doing the right thing and making the right decision.
‘I’m happy it wasn’t a DQ [disqualification] because I wouldn’t want [to] win like that.
‘Once this suspension is over, Garcia let’s run it back. Clean on a even playing field. Biggest fight [in] boxing.’
