Ryan Garcia recently tested positive twice for the banned substance Ostarine before and after his victory over Devin Haney, according to a letter from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Garcia denied taking any performance-enhancing drug in a profane rant on social media, though he later posted a more controlled response on the same platform. He continued to joke about the news in subsequent comments on the subject, stirring up controversy across the sports world.
Ostarine is classified as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) and is not approved by the FDA, but is sometimes found in supplements. Garcia suggested that the supplement Ashwagandha might have caused the failed drug test, but the impact of Ashwagandha on VADA testing is unclear. Ostarine is known to attach to androgen receptors in the body, promoting muscle growth, and is used for various medical conditions, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.
While Garcia’s failed drug tests do not definitively prove intentional cheating, some will link his struggles to make weight for the fight with Haney to the description of Ostarine and its potential benefits for athletes. Ostarine is banned by organizations like WADA and the NCAA and has been linked to previous cases of positive tests in combat sports, raising questions about Garcia’s knowledge of what he puts into his body. Haney released a statement regarding the news, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Garcia has the option to request a B-sample test within ten days, though cases of differing results between A and B-samples are rare. In the past, athletes like Marion Jones and Lucien Bute have had conflicting results between the two samples, leading to further scrutiny and consequences. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the B-sample testing, the recent findings have added a layer of controversy to one of boxing’s most talked-about nights in a promising year for the sport.
In response to the news, Garcia’s team and other parties involved are assessing the situation and its potential consequences. The positive tests for Ostarine have raised concerns about athlete integrity and the need for more stringent drug testing protocols in combat sports. As the story unfolds, the focus shifts from Garcia’s victory over Haney to the implications of the failed drug tests and the impact on Garcia’s career moving forward. It remains to be seen how this development will affect Garcia’s reputation and standing in the boxing community.
