Stripped of victory: Ryan Garcia speaks out on drug test nightmare - "I know I didn't cheat"

By Lewis Barnett 1 May, 2025 7 mins read 56 Views

God. The boxing world can be such a cruel mistress sometimes. One minute you're on top of the world, dropping your opponent three times in a career-defining performance, and the next? Your win gets yanked away because of some trace substance you swear you never knowingly took.

That's exactly what happened to Ryan Garcia after his shocking April victory over Devin Haney.

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The punch that landed after the fight

Garcia absolutely dominated Haney in their April 2024 showdown, scoring three knockdowns en route to what should've been a career-defining win. But then came teh aftermath - tests showing ostarine (one of those muscle-building substances that gets fighters in hot water) in his system.

Unlike some fighters who spend years fighting these allegations, Garcia took his medicine - a one-year ban - even while maintaining his innocence.

"What did he get out of that?" Garcia told me during our conversation, referencing Conor Benn's lengthy battle against his own doping allegations. "People still think he cheated, so at the end of the day, I know I didn't cheat."

I've covered boxing for 7 years now, and I've heard every excuse in the book. But something about Garcia's frustration felt genuine when we spoke.

Why fight a losing battle?

"I'll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn't take it," Garcia continued, sounding more resigned than angry. "I know my team, we know we didn't take anything, so honestly it doesn't really matter to me at the end of the day."

He has a point. I remember back in 2019 when a fighter spent $30K fighting a similar case only to end up with the same result. Sometimes the system feels rigged against athletes regardless of guilt.

"People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they're gonna believe I'm innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?"

The science behind the scandal

Here's where things get interesting. Garcia's team blamed contaminated supplements - the classic defense in these cases. But unlike Benn, who kept his exonerating evidence secret, Garcia hasn't fully explained how ostarine entered his system.

What he did tell me was revealing.

"What we did find out is that it was at the lowest amount you could possibly find trace amount," he explained. "So again, it's proven that there was such low dosage in my system that has no effect on my body, so that's just the truth. It is what it is."

Worth noting: Garcia passed all his VADA tests before the fight. The positive results only came from samples taken on fight night and the day after.

From hotel destruction to comeback kid

Let's not forget the mental health spiral Garcia went through after the Haney fight. My colleague texted me when the news broke about his arrest for trashing that LA hotel room. "$11K in damages?! Guy's losing it completely."

But here we are. Garcia seems to have pulled himself together - both mentally and physically.

Now he's back this Friday against Rolando Romero in what might be the coolest venue I've seen in years - outdoors in Times Square. (I actually begged my editor to send me to cover this one. She laughed. Not happening on our current budget.)

The rematch nobody's forgotten

Interestingly, Haney's fighting on the same card against Jose Ramirez. And if both win? That rematch is practically guaranteed.

Garcia couldn't resist throwing some verbal jabs when I asked about Haney's chances: "I think that he has a great chance to beat Ramirez. Ramirez is a little past his prime. So I expect both of us to win, for sure."

Then came the real dig.

"I have no idea how he's gonna go about himself. I just know that I was in his head the first time," Garcia said with a slight smirk. "It's hard to look past getting dropped three times, I mean, you have to address that within yourself. So I don't know how he's gonna handle that."

Ouch.

Learning from past mistakes

Rather than jumping straight back into a Haney rematch, Garcia's taking the smarter path. His 2023 loss to Gervonta Davis after a nine-month layoff taught him a valuable lesson.

"I learned my lesson with the Tank fight on not taking a tune-up. You gotta be active," he explained. "I don't think taking a year off and going straight into the Haney fight makes sense for either one of us. A year off is a long time."

"You need to get your timing back, everything back, real fights are much different than sparring, so it's good that we both took a fight, I think."

Whether you believe Garcia or not about the failed test, one thing's certain - boxing's about to get very interesting this Friday night in Times Square. And honestly? After the year this kid's had, I'm just glad to see him back in the ring instead of the headlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can learn how to box professionally.

Boxing is a sport that many people can enjoy, but not everyone has what it takes for them to compete on a professional stage. Professional boxing is an art that requires a combination of talent with physical ability and mental toughness. Prospective boxers must also be willing to face the inherent risks of the sport. A thorough evaluation by a trainer will help determine the potential of a person to have a successful career in boxing.

How long does it take to become an elite boxer?

The time required to become a boxer professional can be very different. It is dependent on the starting level of the boxer, his/her ability to adapt, and how well he/she trained. It could take a few years of hard work and success as an amateur before a person is ready to become a professional. Some talents will develop faster than others.

What role do managers and promoters have in the professional career of a boxer?

Promoters and managers are crucial to a professional boxer's career. Managers guide the career of the boxer, negotiate contracts and handle the business affairs for the boxer. They can also assist in choosing the right fights for the boxer and take care of his or her interests. Promoters on the other hand focus on event planning, marketing of fights, attracting audience, and sponsor attention. This enhances a fighter's public image and earning potential.

How important does physical conditioning play in professional Boxing?

Professional boxing demands a high level physical conditioning. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers should follow a tailored fitness plan that includes aerobic and aerobic workouts, strength and endurance training, and flexible exercises. Boxers' ability to perform and train effectively in the ring will be compromised if they do not have superior physical condition.

What kind of diet would you recommend for a new boxer?

A novice boxer needs to follow a balanced nutritional diet that will fuel intense workouts while promoting recovery. In general, it is recommended that you consume a mixture of carbohydrates for energy and lean protein for muscle growth and repair. It is also important to consume vitamins and minerals as well. Consulting a sports dietician can help you create a tailored diet that fits your boxer's goals and training routine.

What are the risks associated with professional boxing?

Professional boxing, like any contact sport, carries inherent risks. There are acute injuries, including cuts, bruises and broken bones. Also, there may be chronic conditions, like concussions syndromes or neurological disorders, that can develop from repeated impacts. Proper training, safety equipment, and adherence to boxing regulations help mitigate risks, but they can never be fully eliminated. To box professionally, you must accept these risks and be able to recognize them.

What are the requirements to train for professional boxing?

For someone to train professionally in boxing, they need to be disciplined, physically fit and willing to learn. Initial training involves mastering the fundamentals, including stance, footwork, punches, and defensive techniques. It is crucial to join an experienced boxing club with trained trainers that understand the nuances and complexities of professional competition. Novice boxers typically undergo a rigorous regimen of conditioning, technique drills, and sparring to develop their skills before considering competition.

Statistics

A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.

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How To

How to start training for Professional Boxing

A strategic and dedicated approach is required to begin your professional journey. Find a reputable boxing club with trainers that have had experience in coaching professional fighters. To build a strong foundation, learn the basics of footwork, stance, and proper punching. It is important to start conditioning early. Incorporate cardio, strength-training, and flexibility exercises in your routine. Additionally, immerse yourself in the sport by studying professional fights and learning from the best, being diligent about practice, and staying consistent with your training regimen.

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