Ryan Garcia Faces Scrutiny After Positive B-Sample Test for Banned Substance
Star boxer Ryan Garcia is under scrutiny after his B-sample tested positive for the banned substance ostarine, according to a report from the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory. The B-sample was taken the day before and the day of Garcia’s victory over Devin Haney last month, mirroring the adverse findings from his A-sample on May 1.
Understanding Ostarine
Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that signals muscles to grow, aiding athletes in building muscle mass, increasing fat loss, and enhancing stamina and recovery. This substance has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) banned list since 2008 and was listed as an anabolic agent by WADA in 2022.
Garcia’s Response
Garcia, speaking from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he attended Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight title win over Tyson Fury, expressed his confusion over the positive test. “I don’t know where [the adverse finding] came from,” Garcia stated. He insisted he had only been taking common supplements like ashwagandha, D-3, and Omega-3. “I have seriously no idea. I would tell everybody the truth.”
Garcia emphasized his commitment to honesty, saying, “If I really did take it, I would be like, honestly, I was going through a weird situation. I wasn’t really that confident. I chose to take it. I’m sorry. And that’s it. But I didn’t and I hate cheating.”
Legal Proceedings
Darin Chavez, a member of Garcia’s legal team, indicated that a formal hearing with the New York State Athletic Commission will be set to clear Garcia of any wrongdoing. Chavez noted that Garcia voluntarily submitted a hair sample to Dr. Pascal Kintz, a toxicology expert, which returned negative results for ostarine. “We are certain that one of the natural supplements Ryan was using in the lead-up to the fight will prove to be contaminated,” Chavez said.
The New York State Athletic Commission is currently reviewing the matter. “The Commission strictly prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs and works vigorously to uphold the integrity of the sport and maintain a level playing field,” the Commission’s statement read. Should Garcia fail to prove contamination, he could face suspension and fines.
Context and Comparisons
Garcia’s positive test comes after his impressive win over Haney, where he floored his opponent three times to secure a majority-decision victory. He has publicly criticized Victor Conte, Haney’s sports nutritionist, for defending Haney despite Conte’s controversial past involving performance-enhancing drugs.
Conte, who founded the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO) and later served time in prison, responded by affirming the scientific process behind the positive results. “The strict liability rule will now apply, and he will likely be fined and suspended from boxing,” Conte said, emphasizing the need for respect in the sport.
Ostarine has been a contentious substance in boxing, with previous cases including Lucian Bute in 2016 and Amir Khan in 2022, both facing significant penalties after testing positive.
Garcia’s Future
Reflecting on the situation, Garcia shared his emotional struggle, saying, “I’ve been sad and I feel like crying… they’re taking my greatest victory away.” Despite the challenges, he remains determined to continue his career, even considering fighting in another country if necessary.
“I just want to be in the ring. I’m in my prime. I feel good. I feel strong,” Garcia said, expressing his resolve to fight for his innocence and maintain his place in the sport.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the latest available details at the time of publication. Testing results and legal outcomes are subject to change based on ongoing investigations and proceedings. For the most current updates, refer to official sources and announcements.
