Boxing Star Tests Positive: Stunning Upset Tainted?

In a shocking development that has rocked the boxing world, multiple sources have reported that rising star Ryan Garcia tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug ostarine after his stunning upset victory over Devin Haney on April 20th.

The positive test result came from samples collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) both the day before and the day of the highly-anticipated bout at Barclays Center in New York City. Reputable boxing journalist Dan Rafael broke the news, citing “multiple sources with knowledge of the results.”

According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, who obtained a copy of the VADA letter, Garcia’s A-sample also screened positive for 19-norandrosterone, though this finding remains unconfirmed. The 24-year-old phenom now has 10 days to request testing of his B-sample.

Garcia, known for his explosive power and blistering hand speed, pulled off a monumental upset by defeating the previously unbeaten Haney via majority decision to capture the WBC super lightweight title, albeit without being eligible to actually claim the belt after missing weight at the official weigh-in.

The California native appeared to dismiss the allegations in a series of flippant tweets, comparing the “fake news” to Donald Trump’s famous catchphrase before inexplicably sharing a photo of himself taking medication. He later quoted a Bible verse saying “No weapon against me shall prosper.”

However, Devin Haney’s outraged father and trainer Bill Haney did not mince words in an expletive-laced statement to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix:

“You trying to hurt my baby. We played it fair. We didn’t do it like that. F–k boxing, this is some bulls–t. I came from the streets. You scared of Devin on a level playing field. I feel f–ked up over this. If you can brag about doing it, you shouldn’t be on drugs.”

Ostarine, also known as enobosarm, is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that is banned by anti-doping agencies due to its performance-enhancing effects. While it is currently being researched for potential medical applications such as treating muscle wasting diseases, there are no legal medications containing ostarine approved for human use.

If the results are confirmed, Garcia could face sanctions ranging from a fine and/or suspension to having his upset win overturned and the result changed to a no-contest. At minimum, his credibility and future boxing earnings are likely to take a massive hit from this controversy.

This saga has brought back memories of high-profile PED scandals in boxing history involving stars like Shane Mosley, Fernando Vargas, Lamont Peterson and, most famously, Roy Jones Jr.’s disgraced 2000 Olympics performance. It potentially casts a dark shadow over one of 2024’s biggest upsets and most compelling rising talents.

As the fallout continues, all eyes will be on Garcia’s response and whether he can clear his name. The boxing world anxiously awaits the truth about what really happened before and after that fateful night at Barclays Center.