Ryan Garcia Tests Positive for Banned Substance
The boxing world was rocked with the news that Ryan Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, in addition to a preliminary positive result for 19-Norandrosterone. These findings emerged from tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) around his April bout against Devin Haney at Barclays Center.
The Doping Scandal Unfolds
Ryan Garcia’s victory was overshadowed by revelations from VADA that he tested positive for Ostarine both prior to and on the day of his fight against Haney. While the test results for 19-Norandrosterone are still pending further analysis, the initial findings have sparked significant controversy in the sporting community.
What is Ostarine?
Ostarine, also known as a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), is a substance not approved for human consumption in the U.S. or elsewhere. Known for its ability to enhance muscle mass and accelerate fat loss, Ostarine has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list since 2008.
Garcia’s Firm Denial and Haney’s Disappointment
In response to the allegations, Ryan Garcia took to social media to vehemently deny any wrongdoing, labeling the claims as «big lies» and expressing frustration over the timing of the disclosure. Garcia insisted on his innocence, emphasizing his clean history in respect to steroid usage.
The fight, which took place on April 20 in Brooklyn, saw Garcia knocking down Haney, although Garcia had missed weight by three pounds at the weigh-ins, disqualifying him from winning the WBC super lightweight title regardless of the fight outcome. Following the doping revelation, Devin Haney voiced his disillusionment, accusing Garcia of cheating and disrespecting both the sport and its fans.
The controversy casts a long shadow over what was a highly anticipated matchup. As the boxing community awaits further results and potential sanctions, the integrity of the sport and the credibility of its athletes remain at the forefront of discussions. Both Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney are at a critical juncture, with their future actions likely to resonate beyond just their careers but the sport as a whole.
