Ryan Garcia’s B samples have returned positive, confirming the presence of Ostarine in tests conducted by VADA the day before and the day of his April 20 fight with Devin Haney. The B-samples, opened on Wednesday, were also positive. The next steps will be determined by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) and the WBC, who oversaw the fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Garcia won the bout against Haney despite coming in over three pounds overweight at the weigh-in and dropping Haney in rounds seven, ten, and eleven, earning a majority decision. In response to the positive tests, Haney has called for the NYSAC to overturn the decision, while Garcia maintains his innocence and claims he has been set up. Garcia took to social media to express his frustration:
“I don’t care if I never make money again with boxing. Your loss, not mine. For setting me up. Lol joke on y’all.”
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Victor Conte, a doping expert and former BALCO mastermind who assists Haney, emphasized the burden of proof now lies with Garcia:
“The strict liability rule requires him to prove that there was no intent to cheat,” Conte said.
If Garcia fails to provide proof, he could face fines and suspension by the NYSAC. Haney’s attorney, Pat English, expressed no surprise at the B sample results and is pushing for a minimum one-year suspension and a disqualification for Garcia.
“He’s made a mockery of the rules and the commission. Boxing is a dangerous sport… in this case, there was no equal playing field because Mr. Garcia cheated by taking Ostarine and prohibited IVs.”
As of now, a hearing date to determine Garcia’s fate, including potential suspension time, fines, or the alteration of the fight’s outcome to a no-contest or disqualification, has not been set.
Image Credit: Golden Boy