Star boxer Ryan Garcia is under scrutiny following positive tests for the performance-enhancing substance ostarine, surrounding his recent victory over Devin Haney. According to a letter from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which ESPN obtained, Garcia tested positive both the day before and on the day of his surprising win last month.
The 25-year-old boxer, known for his impressive record and significant social media following, has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence in a recent video. “Everybody knows that I don’t cheat,” Garcia stated, expressing confusion over how the banned substances were detected in his system.
Garcia’s promotional team, Golden Boy Promotions, is actively investigating the source of the test results, reiterating their belief in Garcia’s integrity. However, the fallout from these tests is significant, with the fight’s result now in jeopardy of being overturned unless Garcia’s B-sample, which he has ten days to request for testing, returns negative—a rarity in such cases.
Meanwhile, Haney has expressed his disappointment and concern, emphasizing the dangers of the sport and the disrespect shown to fans and fellow athletes. The controversy casts a shadow over Garcia’s recent victory, potentially altering his career trajectory and tarnishing his reputation within the boxing community.
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