RYAN GARCIA “IM OFFICIALLY RETIRED”
Boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has taken to social media to declare his retirement from the sport. On Wednesday, Garcia made the unexpected announcement, stating he is "officially retired."
This news comes on the heels of his controversial bout with Devin Haney on April 20th. Recent reports from the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, as noted by ESPN's Mike Coppinger, revealed that Garcia's doping control forms listed two supplements that tested positive for the banned substance ostarine.
Garcia hinted at his retirement in previous posts, expressing his frustration with the sport. He wrote, "I'm outty" and "I may retire. I'm done with this game." In another heartfelt message, Garcia shared his disappointment about leaving boxing but cited "so much corruption" as a key reason for his decision, adding, "boxing will be alright without me."
Regarding the failed drug test before his fight with Haney, Garcia's legal team released a statement attributing the results to "supplement contamination," as reported by Josh Peter of USA Today. The statement defended Garcia, asserting that he had never knowingly consumed banned substances and labeling any claims against his integrity as false and defamatory. The ostarine was traced to NutraBIO Super Carb Raspberry Lemonade and Strawberry-flavored Body Health Perfect Amino.
As the fight took place in Brooklyn, the New York State Athletic Commission is set to review the situation. Boxing insider Lance Pugmire has indicated that the commission will convene this week to decide on possible sanctions for Garcia, which could range from fines to suspensions or even overturning his victory over Haney.
Despite the controversy, Garcia's victory over Haney was remarkable. He managed to knock Haney down three times, securing a majority decision win. However, he was ineligible to claim Haney's WBC junior welterweight title, as he weighed in 3.2 pounds over the 140-pound limit. This victory brought Garcia's professional record to an impressive 25-1, with 20 of those wins coming by knockout.
On the same day as his retirement posts, Garcia also expressed his sorrow over stepping away from boxing. "I’ll still be training but I’m hurt and done with it and everyone," he wrote on X. "The sad part is I’m a great boxer and I entertain and knock people out. I’m sad because I [love] boxing. Praying for everyone and I hope everyone has a great life."
In a recent turn of events, Garcia faced further controversy with an arrest in June. The Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills reported that Garcia had caused $15,000 in property damage, leading to police involvement. ESPN detailed the incident, which occurred amidst the already swirling allegations of his positive test for ostarine.
Earlier this year, Garcia's life was also marked by personal upheaval. In January, he announced both his divorce and the birth of his second child.
The New York State Athletic Commission is expected to deliver a verdict on Garcia's positive drug tests soon. The boxing world waits with bated breath to see the final chapter of this dramatic saga. Whether Garcia's retirement will stand or if he will return to the ring remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his impact on the sport is undeniable.
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