Golden Boy Promotions said in a statement Thursday that it stands behind Ryan Garcia following a report that he tested positive for a banned substance prior to his dominant victory over Devin Haney last month in New York.
“Ryan has released numerous statements denying the knowing use of any prohibited substances – and we believe him,” the statement read. “We are working with his team to determine how this discovery came about and will address this in more detail once we complete the process. ”
ESPN reported that Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine the day before and on the day of the April 20 fight, citing a letter from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator and its use can stimulate muscle growth. It is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The test results were only known later.
VADA did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment. The organization oversees testing of performance-enhancing drugs in boxing and mixed martial arts. Athletes using VADA agree to take unannounced tests within eight weeks of their scheduled fight. The World Anti-Doping Agency conducts the tests on behalf of VADA.
Garcia defeated Haney, a former amateur rival, by majority decision in New York. Garcia dropped Haney three times and handed the WBC super lightweight champion his first defeat, but did not win the title because he was over the weight limit.
Garcia emphatically denied breaking the rules in a video posted on X.
“I’ve never taken steroids in my life,” Garcia said. “I don’t even know where to get steroids. In the end, I hardly take any supplements.”
Garcia’s victory could be annulled if the positive anti-doping test is confirmed.
“We learned about this situation not long ago and it is a shame that Ryan cheated and disrespected the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and coming across as positive not once, but twice,” Haney posted on his Instagram Story. “I have always been an advocate of clean fighting and this is an example of that. Ryan owes his fans an apology and from his recent tweet, he still thinks this is a joke.”
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