The Controversial Aftermath of Ryan Garcia’s Victory Over Devin Haney

The Controversial Aftermath of Ryan Garcia’s Victory Over Devin Haney

The boxing world was abuzz with both excitement and controversy following Ryan Garcia’s victory over Devin Haney on April 20. Despite securing a majority decision win with three knockdowns, Garcia’s achievement was quickly overshadowed by issues surrounding his weight and subsequent positive drug tests.

Following an initial failed VADA drug test before the fight, Garcia’s B-sample confirmed the presence of ostarine, a banned substance. VADA conducted tests on Garcia both before and after his bout with Haney.

In response to the drug test results, Garcia posted a controversial message on social media, later deleted, and followed up with a more tempered response.

Garcia’s legal team defended him, stating that he had voluntarily submitted a hair sample for testing, which returned negative for ostarine. They argued that the minute amounts of ostarine found in Garcia’s system were consistent with contamination rather than intentional use.

Dan Rafael first reported Garcia’s failed test on May 1, noting positive results on April 19 and April 20.

Garcia dismissed the reports as “fake news” during a live social media session, vehemently denying any steroid use.

The positive drug tests could have serious consequences for Garcia, including suspension, fines, or overturning the fight result to a no-contest. Haney’s team has already requested Garcia’s disqualification.

Garcia’s behavior leading up to the fight, including social media posts about conspiracy theories and claims of possessing proof of aliens, raised eyebrows. He also admitted to regularly consuming alcohol. After his victory, Garcia claimed that these actions were part of a plan to “troll” boxing fans, media, and Haney’s team.

Garcia’s failure to make weight by more than 3 pounds had already disqualified him from winning Haney’s WBC junior welterweight championship. The fight was supposed to be Garcia’s first shot at a world title and an opportunity to prove himself among boxing’s elite, especially after his loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2023. Now, Garcia’s career faces uncertainty amidst the fallout from the failed drug tests.