The boxer continues to protest his innocence over a positive drugs test
Ryan Garcia has backed a conspiracy theory on social media alleging that New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC)’s own laboratory claimed he tested negative for Ostarine.
The 25-year-old has been suspended for a year and handed a spate of financial penalties by the NYSAC after a B-sample for his doping test came back positive in May.
Garcia had scored a shock victory over Devin Haney only days prior to the positive drugs test results arriving, and he has consistently denied taking a performance-enhancing drug (PED).
In another twist, an account on social media platform X with the handle ‘@combatOdaley’ put the NYSAC under scrutiny after claiming a leak allegedly revealed Garcia initially tested negative for Ostarine.
“It has been leaked by one of the labs that Ryan Garcia’s initial pre- and post-fight urine tests conducted by them initially screened negative for Ostarine,” the post claimed.
It is unclear who or what is the source of the leak, and this report is yet to be substantiated. But the Californian was left in no doubt that it will go some way to proving his innocence.
“It’s just keeps coming out. What is done in the dark will come to light, Justice will be served,” Garcia wrote on X.
Devin Haney reacts to Ryan Garcia ban
The former interim lightweight champion, who confirmed he will be taking some time away from boxing, could be subjected to further legal action from Haney’s camp.
Speaking to Dan Rafael in an interview, Haney – a former undisputed lightweight champion – revealed how the whole Garcia debacle has had an effect on his career reputation and mental wellbeing.
“I’ve seen a lot of people standing up for what’s wrong and not right. Performance enhancing drugs should be in no sport, especially boxing,” Haney told Fight Freaks Unite.
“Every time we step in the ring we put our lives on the line. I just want to be on an even playing field every single time that I step in the ring.”
He continued: “It could have happened to anybody. I’m thankful it happened to me because I’m strong enough to be able to take what happened and move forward and have it not break me.”
