Ryan Garcia Denies VADA Rumors – ‘Things Will Be Met With Legal Action’
Ryan Garcia has denied rumors regarding his drug testing status, warning that anyone spreading “false” claims about his lack of VADA enrollment will be hearing from his lawyers.
Garcia slammed reports suggesting he is operating without VADA for his current training camp. As he prepares for a showdown with WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios on February 21, Garcia made it clear that he’s ready to litigate.
Garcia confirmed he has been undergoing regular testing throughout his camp for the Barrios fight. While he initially hoped to ignore the noise, Garcia felt “compelled” to speak up once the misinformation began to trend.
Since his issues in April 2024, Garcia’s testing history has been under a microscope. Ryan beat Devin Haney in their clash only to then fail VADA tests for Ostarine. The majority decision win was overturned into a no-contest. While Garcia received a one-year ban from the NYSAC, he has been adamant that he did not take things intentionally. Barrios’ camp has not commented on the matter, and VADA has yet to issue a statement regarding his current enrollment status.
Garcia Reacts
“I wasn’t going to speak on this bc it’s ridiculous but I seen parts of the media claiming I’m not tested by Vada which is extremely untrue. I’ve been tested this whole camp and im sure so has Mario barrios. Anyone claiming these things will be met with legal action. Thank you,” Garcia said
While Garcia is expected to overcome Barrios, not everyone sees him as a tough challenge. Former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman was not impressed.
“You consider him [Garcia} as a welterweight puncher? You think Ryan has got a bigger punch than Ennis had? He drops lightweights, he hasn’t fought real welterweights. Is there even a real welterweight in the welterweight division? I think that Conor Benn is the only real welterweight left at 147lbs. This new welterweight game is lightweights moving up. There is no O.G. 147lber at 147 and, with that, I can’t give Ryan the credit [as a puncher] that you are trying to give him. I could eat ‘em all up like Tic Tacs,” Thurman stated
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