Ryan Garcia denies using steroids amid reports of failed drug tests: ‘Everybody knows I don’t cheat’

Ryan Garcia has denied utilizing steroids amid stories that he failed drug assessments earlier than and after combating Devin Haney in April.

The information of two failed assessments was first reported by Dan Rafael and ESPN on Wednesday (1 Might), with Garcia allegedly testing constructive for the banned substance Ostarine. The assessments had been performed by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (Vada) on 19 April and post-fight on 20 April.

Garcia, 25, dropped Haney, additionally 25, 3 times en path to a majority-decision victory. The consequence, a significant upset, adopted a spell of regarding behaviour from Garcia, who underwent a mental-health analysis earlier than the bout. He later claimed his behaviour was merely an “act”. Garcia additionally missed weight by three kilos.

Reacting to Wednesday’s stories, the American mentioned on X: “All people is aware of that I don’t cheat. By no means taken a steroid, I don’t even know the place to get steroids. I barely take dietary supplements. Massive lies, I beat him.

“They’re attempting to take my biggest victory away, kinda unhappy when you consider it. Why on the planet would I volunteer for a drug check if I deliberate on taking medication?”

Ostarine is used to extend muscle development. The Impartial has contacted Vada for remark.

Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy, mentioned in a press release: “Ryan has put out a number of statements denying knowingly utilizing any banned substances – and we imagine him.”

Golden Boy Promotions added that it’s attempting to “decide how this discovering got here to be”.

Haney was attributable to defend the WBC super-lightweight title in opposition to his compatriot Garcia, however the latter’s failed weigh-in made “King Ryan” ineligible to win the belt.

Haney was unbeaten previous to the struggle in Brooklyn, whereas Garcia suffered his first skilled loss final yr, when he was stopped by Gervonta Davis.