Ryan GarciaJohn’s “B” sample matched the “A” samples, which indicated he had the banned substance Ostarine in his system from his fight with Devin Haney on April 20, boxing journalist Daniel Rafael reported Thursday.
Rafael said he was in possession of the laboratory results of the tests, carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Garcia, who said he didn’t do PEDs intentionally, reacted to the news with bizarre posts on . …Come on, positive vibes, bro, yeah, so happy’… IF – LOVE STEROIDS.
Garcia later deleted the posts.
His legal team also released a statement, arguing that an independent hair sample analysis that says it came back negative is an indication of contamination rather than long-term use.
The statement read, in part: “Ryan Garcia is committed to clean and fair competition and has never knowingly used any prohibited substance. Soon after being notified of your positive [‘A’ sample] test, Ryan voluntarily had his hair collected and sent to Dr. Pascal Kintz, the leading expert in toxicology and hair sample analysis. Ryan’s hair sample results came back negative.
“This is consistent with contamination and demonstrably proves that Ryan did not ingest ostarine over a period of time – the only way he could have had any advantage in the ring.”
The samples that tested positive were taken the day before and on the day of Garcia’s fight with Haney, who fell three times and lost a majority decision.
Garcia will have the opportunity to present his case at a New York State Athletic Commission hearing, although no date has been announced. If the commission rules against him, he could be suspended and fined.
Presumably, he would also miss out on the career-defining victory. Haney, who was undefeated entering the fight, wants the result changed to a disqualification victory in his favor.
