Golden Boy Promotions issued a statement in support of its fighter Ryan Garcia, who reportedly tested positive for banned substance Ostarine prior to defeating Devin Haney on April 20.
If found to be in violation, Garcia could face a suspension, fines and sanctions resulting in having the victory taken away.
Golden Boy’s statement: “Ryan has put out multiple statements denying knowingly using any banned substances – and we believe him. We are working with his team to determine how this finding came to be and will address this further once we conclude that process.”
Garcia, 25, knocked junior welterweight Haney to the canvas three times en route to winning a majority decision.
Via X, formerly Twitter, Garcia said: “I’ve never taken a steroid in my life. I don’t even know where to get steroids. At the end of the day, I barely take supplements. Big lies … ”
Via Instagram, Haney did not hold back in his belief that Garcia is guilty.
“We learned about this situation not too long ago,” wrote Haney, “and it’s unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice.”
The WBC confirmed notification from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association of Garcia’s results they called “adverse.”
Garcia’s camp now is given 10 days to file a request to have his B-sample tested.
Ostarine, banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency since 2008, is non-steroidal and supports muscle growth.
-Field Level Media