by Oscar Cabrero/ Boxing Contributor

The boxing world was shaken when Ryan Garcia, also known as “KingRy,” tested positive for Ostarine, a substance banned by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). The revelation came shortly after Garcia’s celebrated victory over Devin Haney on April 20, 2024, where he secured a majority decision, marking the first defeat of Haney’s professional boxing career. Esteemed sports journalist Dan Rafael first broke the news of Garcia’s failed drug test, which was later confirmed through a VADA letter according to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger. Coppinger’s report also hinted at another banned substance, 19-norandrosterone, found in Garcia’s A-sample, though these findings remain unverified. The news is particularly striking as it follows Garcia’s recent controversy over failing to make weight for the fight, resulting in a non-title bout against Haney.

In the aftermath, Ryan Garcia staunchly defended his integrity. During a post-fight press conference, a visibly upset Garcia addressed the allegations, questioning the timing and motivation behind the disclosure of his test results. “Everybody knows that I don’t cheat. Why didn’t they come out with this before the fight if they found it before the fight? Why would they let me step in the ring as a cheater and then come out with the victory and then they post this?” he remarked. The boxer’s firm denial has sparked a broader conversation about the scrutiny and pressures faced by athletes at the highest levels of competitive sports. As this story unfolds, Garcia’s career and reputation hang in the balance, awaiting further investigation and the potential implications of these doping allegations.