Garcia Could Face A Lengthy Ban – ‘Garcia Is On The Ropes’
In the latest boxing news, Angelique Richardson, a sports lawyer from Lawrence Stephens, says Ryan Garcia faces a possible lengthy ban.
Richardson was reacting to Garcia’s two failed VADA tests for Ostarine after the Devin Haney win. Urine samples from April 19 and April 20 detected the substance used to help athletes increase muscle and stamina and burn fat. Garcia has maintained his innocence, saying there was no intentional usage. Since then, he has requested his B sample, which returned positive.
He also had his supplements tested positive for Ostarine. Victor Conte responded, stating Garcia’s supplements had been opened. As such, they could not prove 100 percent that he had been a victim of contamination. An unsealed supplement from the same lot must be tested to show contamination. VADA has responded to that, stating fighters are responsible for what goes into their system due to strict liability. Haney’s team has also requested that the New York State Athletic Commission disqualify Garcia to give Haney the win. Richardson felt Garcia was in danger of a lengthy ban.
Garcia’s Future
“Garcia is on the ropes, facing a lengthy ban from the sport of boxing. It’s not hugely surprising that Garcia’s B-Sample has also tested positive – it is extremely rare for an A-Sample and B-Sample to return differing results. As a Sports lawyer, we would always advise our fighters to request that their B-Samples be tested – it is good form and good diligence.
“The lead-up to the Haney v Garcia fight was controversial enough, with Garcia’s victory called into question. Now, we have a positive A-Sample and B-Sample from Garcia to add to the mix. Issues like this continue to give the sport of boxing a bad rep. Garcia is an entertaining character in the sport of boxing. If he chooses to pursue his innocence, which is unclear from the ping-pong nature of his social media, he’ll come out swinging. I’m sure we’ll all have a ringside seat,” Richardson said
Amir Khan’s Case
Richardson is well aware of these cases, having represented Amir Khan. The British boxer also tested positive for Ostarine following his defeat to Kell Brook in 2022. The boxer denied any intentional use, given the small amount in his system. Khan even suggested the amount in his system could have been due to a handshake.
However, that did not prevent the boxing authorities from banning Khan even though he proved it was not intentional. Khan subsequently received a two-year backdated ban, even if he was retired, which expired in April. Given the seriousness of PED usage in the sport, the boxing authorities must make the right decision. If Garcia receives a big ban, there is no guarantee he will box again. Ryan has several ventures outside the sport, which have secured his financial future. The sooner a decision is made, the quicker the boxing community can move on.
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