Brooklyn, New York – The aftermath of Ryan Garcia’s victory over Devin Haney in their recent bout has been clouded with controversy. Reports have surfaced indicating that Garcia tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug, casting doubt on his majority decision win against Haney last month.
According to multiple sources, Garcia’s test revealed the presence of Ostarine, a prohibited substance, in a pre-fight screening conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. The boxer now has the option to request further testing of the B-sample within a 10-day window. Additional reports suggest that Garcia’s initial test also detected 19-norandrosterone, another banned compound, although official confirmation is pending.
In the highly anticipated match at the Barclays Center, Garcia, 25, delivered a stunning performance against Haney, securing three knockdowns. Despite missing weight at the official weigh-in, Garcia managed to clinch the victory, though Haney retained his WBC super lightweight title belt.
The defeat marked the first loss in Haney’s professional career, leaving him with a record of 31 wins and 1 loss, with 15 knockouts. In response to the drug test results, Haney’s father expressed outrage at the situation, questioning the fairness of the competition.
Following the revelations, Garcia took to social media to address the allegations, vehemently denying any wrongdoing. He attributed the positive test to a supplement containing ashwagandha root, although the exact circumstances remain unclear.
During a live broadcast online, Garcia continued to refute the claims of cheating, insinuating that the timing of the news release was suspicious. He maintained his innocence, emphasizing that he had defeated Haney fairly and squarely.
As the controversy unfolds, the future of Garcia’s boxing career remains uncertain. With his record standing at 25 wins and 1 loss, the fighter faces a cloud of uncertainty as he navigates the fallout from the failed drug test allegations.