Ryan Garcia had “adverse results” in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drug test before his win against Devin Haney, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced.
But Garcia denied using performance-enhancing drugs in a video posted on social media.
Garcia defeated Haney, a former amateur rival, by majority decision on April 20 in New York. Garcia knocked Haney down three times, handing the WBC super lightweight champion his first defeat, but did not win the title because he was over the weight limit
“The WBC had [sic] received notification from VADA of Ryan Garcia’s negative results on tests conducted in connection with his fight against Haney. Due process under the WBC Clean Boxing Program Protocol begins immediately. More information to come,” Sulaiman continued to post Xearlier Twitter.
ESPNCiting a leaked letter from VADA, he reported Wednesday that Garcia had tested positive for Ostarine the day before and on the day of the fight.
Garcia addressed the report in a video released on X.
“Everyone knows I don’t cheat,” said the 25-year-old.
“I have never taken a steroid. Ultimately, I don’t even know where to get steroids, I hardly take any supplements. Big lies.”
Garcia later wrote: “Why on earth would I voluntarily submit to a drug test if I was planning on using drugs? Does it make sense?”
En route to a majority decision at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Garcia knocked Haney down three times, handing his rival the first loss of his professional career. Because he lacked weight, he was unable to secure the title.
Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator that delivers similar results to anabolic steroids, allowing athletes to increase muscle mass, endurance and fitness. It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
VADA, an independent agency based in Las Vegas that primarily conducts testing for boxing and mixed martial arts, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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