Ryan Garcia tests positive for banned substance

According to US-based sports outlet ESPN, Ryan Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine.

Per Mike Coppinger for ESPN, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association sent letters to all parties involved in the fight on Wednesday, May 1st to confirm the test results.

The next step is to confirm the results by testing Garcia’s B-sample, which the American boxer will have to request, per the BBC.

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Per ESPN, Garcia’s A-sample also tested positive for trace amounts of 19-norandrosterone. This is unconfirmed for now.

Garcia took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny the allegations, claiming, “Everybody knows that I don't cheat.”

Garcia continued by stating he had, “Never taken a steroid, I don't even know where to get steroids. I barely take supplements. Big lies, I beat him.”

Garcia’s promoters, Golden Boy Promotions backed their boxer, saying, “Ryan has put out multiple statements denying knowingly using any banned substances - and we believe him.”

Garcia’s opponent, Devin Haney, told ESPN, “We learned about this situation not too long ago and it's unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty.”

Haney continued, “This puts the fight in a completely different light. Despite the disadvantage, I still fought on my shield and got back up! People die in this sport. This isn't a joking matter.”

Garcia upset Haney during their bout in April, although did not claim Haney’s WBC light-welterweight title due to missing weight.

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