Ryan Garcia Returns To Training; Appears Unfazed By Failed VADA Test
Ryan Garcia is back in training as he deals with his failed VADA tests for Ostarine.
Garcia secured the biggest win of his career, dropping Devin Haney three times to win a majority decision. However, he tested positive for Ostarine via two urine samples taken on April 19 and April 20. Garcia denied taking any PEDs intentionally. The B sample will be tested on May 22. As Garcia deals with the uncertainty, he is back in training.
Garcia’s Training
The clip above shows the boxer on the heavy bag, hitting it with his straight jab and signature left hook. Garcia’s decision to train again could signal his intention to proceed with the Errol Spence Jr. fight. Garcia has called for the fight in August, which could only happen if he is cleared.
Garcia may be subjected to a ban. However, given the small amount of Ostarine in his system, it may be reduced to a smaller ban. It makes sense for Garcia to remain active in the gym, keeping up the momentum following the Haney win. Based on Garcia’s comments, there is intent to make it happen.
“Errol Spence Jr., this time I ain’t trolling…the fight is happening. I’m dead serious. He stole money from my coach….Crawford didn’t do enough; I’m ending this man. I’m putting him to bed, I’m putting him to sleep,” Garcia said
Garcia’s Future
There is a question of how much motivation Garcia will have if he is found guilty. The boxer previously took time away from the sport, citing mental health. That was after his biggest win against Luke Campbell. While he did bounce back to secure the Gervonta Davis fight, he was ultimately stopped. The alternative is to run things back if Garcia’s win is turned into a no-contest.
If Garcia believes there was no intent to take the substance, he should fully back himself to come out on top in a rematch. The amount in his system suggests that it did not have any performance-enhancing benefits. But the presence of strict liability means Garcia should not have that in his system in the first place.
That leaves him with only proving contamination to absolve himself to some degree. Haney stated that he did not want the rematch, saying he could have lost his life in the ring. Haney has indicated his wish to see it turn into a no-contest, something which Bob Arum also supports.
“Well, he clearly lost the fight, and Ryan Garcia hit him quite a few times with that solid left hook, but then it all got tainted with the drug testing. It should be a no-contest. If Ryan Garcia, in fact, tested positive, he had an unfair advantage, and under the rules, it should be a no-contest. Even if it had been a first—or second-round knockout, that would be the case,” Arum stated
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