NEW YORK — Ryan Garcia denied utilizing performance-enhancing medication in a video posted on social media Wednesday evening after ESPN reported that he had examined optimistic for a banned substance.
Garcia defeated Devin Haney, a former beginner rival, by majority choice on April 20 in New York. Garcia knocked Haney down 3 times and handed the WBC tremendous light-weight champion his first loss however didn’t win the title as a result of he was over the load restrict.
“Everyone is aware of that I don’t cheat,” Garcia stated in a video posted on X. “By no means taken a steroid … I don’t even know the place to get steroids. … I barely take dietary supplements. Massive lies.”
ESPN reported that the 25-year-old Garcia examined optimistic for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine the day earlier than and the day of the battle, citing a Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation letter. NBC Information has not obtained the Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation letter ESPN cited or verified the small print in its report.
Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator, and its use can stimulate muscle progress. The drug is banned by the World Anti-Doping Company.
The samples had been taken earlier than the battle, however the outcomes weren’t recognized till later, ESPN reported.
“We discovered about this case not too way back and it’s unlucky Ryan cheated and disrespected each the followers and the game of boxing by preventing soiled and breaking optimistic not as soon as, however twice,” Haney stated in an announcement to ESPN, including: “This places the battle in a totally completely different gentle.”
Garcia’s victory might be overturned if the optimistic drug check is confirmed.
