Devin Haney he had good reason to be indignant.
The 140-pound title holder suffered an embarrassing three-knockdown defeat to an overweight Ryan Garcia – the first setback of his career – only to discover that Garcia had failed two tests for performance-enhancing drugs carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Haney agreed to face an opponent who weighed more than three pounds over the limit. He did not agree to fight a big puncher who was drunk, if a later investigation proves this.
“We put our lives on the line to make a living entertaining people. You don’t box,” Haney said in a statement sent to ESPN.
That’s what makes the news of Garcia’s failed tests for the banned substance Ostarine so disturbing, as it is every time a boxer uses banned drugs.
The use of performance-enhancing drugs in non-combat sports is abhorrent because it is a form of cheating, but it generally does not threaten the physical brain health of participants.
Boxers take a calculated risk every time they fight, as Haney said. A fighter who uses drugs to gain an artificial advantage increases the chances that his opponent will suffer a career-ending brain injury or worse, which he has no right to do.
I always wondered how people would react if a boxer died in the ring and we later learned that his opponent was taking steroids. I imagine there would be a worldwide outcry like the sport has never seen, with justification.
This is the main reason why boxing’s powers must find ways to become even more vigorous in their battle to eliminate drug traffickers.
News of Garcia’s failed drug tests also marred a notable fight on April 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Ryan Garcia (white trunks) punches Devin Haney (gray trunks) during the WBC Super Lightweight title fight at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Many feared for Garcia’s well-being due to his bizarre pre-fight behavior and Haney’s pound-for-pound ability. However, Garcia, in a breathtaking performance, surprised the champion and the boxing world by scoring three knockdowns and winning a decision.
The memorable night could well be erased now in light of the failed tests. Garcia’s performance means nothing if he, in fact, does PEDs.
As Haney said, “This puts the fight in a completely different light.”
The damage to Haney’s reputation and career cannot be fully erased even if the New York State Athletic Commission confirms the failed tests and restores his perfect record, either by declaring the fight a no contest or granting him a victory by disqualification.
We can’t erase what we saw, a talented, rising star unable to handle Garcia’s unquestionable power. We can point out that Garcia came in overweight and later tested positive for PEDs, which are certainly mitigating factors. Still, Haney will never be seen the same way.
And God only knows what, if any, long-term physical damage Haney suffered in the brutal fight. He took some huge swings with a huge punch, which could come back to haunt him one day.
For me, it’s always about the well-being of the fighters. And Garcia, if it is confirmed that he took PEDs, demonstrated that Haney’s well-being meant nothing to him.
Garcia has the right to have his “B” samples tested if he believes it may contribute to his innocence. And he deserves to be heard at a hearing, which NYSAC will likely schedule soon.
If, once again, it is determined that he had the banned substance – and possibly a second PED – in his system, New York authorities must make a strong statement that will serve as a deterrent to other drug traffickers around the world.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Canelo Alvarez for six months after he tested positive for Clenbuterol before a scheduled fight with rival Gennadiy Golovkin in 2018, meaning he missed a fight. I always thought the punishment was too lenient.
Amir Khan was banned for two years by UK authorities after Ostarine – the same drug Garcia is accused of ingesting – following his loss to Kell Brook in 2022, which was more appropriate.
We’ll see how seriously New York authorities will take preventing PED use if it confirms that Garcia violated the rules.
Do you like boxing? Don’t forget to visit Boxing addict for all your coverage of the sweet science and follow @BoxingJunkie2 on twitter.
