Ryan Garcia Suspended for One Year After Positive Drug Test
American boxer Ryan Garcia has been handed a one-year suspension after reaching an agreement with the New York State Athletic Commission due to positive tests for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine.
The 25-year-old athlete tested positive for ostarine, a banned substance that supports muscle growth, in two separate tests before his April 20 fight with Devin Haney. Ostarine has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list since 2008.
As a result of the positive tests, Garcia’s win against Haney has been overturned to a no-contest, restoring Haney’s unbeaten record. Additionally, Garcia must forfeit his £950,000 ($1.2 million) purse from the Haney fight and pay a £7,900 ($10,000) fine.
The New York State Athletic Commission confirmed Garcia’s suspension will last until April 20, 2025, and he must provide a clean urine sample before his license can be reinstated.
“The Commission will continue to uphold the highest professional standards and ensure the integrity of all sports under our jurisdiction,” the commission stated.
Garcia, who has denied knowingly taking the substance, attributed the positive test to contamination from a tainted supplement. He announced his retirement on X (formerly Twitter) on June 19, and in response to the suspension, said: “I was already retired, so I’ll just stay retired for a year.” He added, “I never cheated.”
With just one loss in his 25-fight career, a defeat to Gervonta Davis in 2023, Garcia remains one of America’s prominent boxing stars.
Devin Haney, whose record returns to 31-0, expressed his satisfaction with the commission’s decision on X: “Thank you to the commission for making the right decision. I’m glad it wasn’t a disqualification because I wouldn’t want to win like that. Once this suspension is over, Garcia, let’s do it again on an even playing field. Biggest fight in boxing.”