The boxing world never ceases to entertain and continues with its ‘big drama show’. Following his win over Devin Haney last month, Ryan Garcia has tested positive for a banned substance. Naturally, the ordeal has caused a lot of stir in the combat sports world with some big names seemingly turning on Garcia for his actions.
For those unaware, according to recent reports, Ryan Garcia reportedly failed his doping tests before and on the day of his fight against Devin Haney. As per the recently revealed VADA drug tests, Garcia has tested positive for ostarine along with a nandrolone metabolite. Whilst ostarine is said to help athletes increase stamina and recovery ability, nandrolone is seen as a synthetic version of testosterone.
‼️ Ryan Garcia reacts to his positive drugs tests: “These are people who are trying to attack me for whatever reason, but no weapon against me shall prosper… Big lies, I beat his ass, f*** out of here. F*** the Haneys”
[🎥 @RyanGarcia] pic.twitter.com/uf7Gy5ABdD
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 2, 2024
Naturally, Ryan Garcia has vehemently denied any and all allegations of taking PEDs or cheating in any way. That said, the report remains unconfirmed until further lab analysis. Additionally, Garcia will have 10 days to get his B-sample collected and checked. In what was certainly one of the biggest upsets in recent boxing history, we now have a big twist in the tale.
Conor McGregor brutally lashed out at Ryan Garcia on social media
Initially, following Ryan Garcia’s win over Devin Haney, the boxer received a lot of praise and support from other combat sports personalities. In what had been a troubling buildup for the fighter, many were glad to see that it was all for show and that the fighter himself was in fact, mentally stable. That said, the recent developments have seemingly caused a rift between Ryan and UFC megastar Conor McGregor.
Previously, Conor McGregor was spotted backstage encouraging Garcia following the loss to Gervonta Davis last year. In what was a difficult time for the 25-year-old, the Irishman was in his corner and motivated him to get back the loss in the future. Thereafter, the former UFC double champ also congratulated Garcia after the recent win against Devin Haney. However, reports of Ryan cheating have not gone down well with the UFC star.
In a long, now-deleted tweet on Twitter or X, McGregor unleashed his fury on the boxer. Some of the things he wrote include:
“Cheated the weight and was juiced, lifetime ban. Sad to see, sad to say. Sad and a bit sick. Don’t come near me if I see you ever Ryan Garcia. I am actually disgusted.”
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Further, UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley also caught a few strays for having failed drug tests for the same substance:
“This ostarine it reminds me of Sean O’Malley was on that as well. I don’t like this, I’ll bust both yous up, do yous want a spar I will set flights right now for you both for a full spar each.”
Thereafter, he left what was a rather alarming warning to Garcia stating:
“What the f**k happened to you, you little fool. Get your head together cos I gonna smash it in with elbows if you don’t. “
“GET YOUR HEAD TOGETHER OR K*** YOURSELF.”
Naturally, it was a rather crazy response that many were not expecting to see, even from McGregor. Thereafter, the tweet was promptly deleted, however, it was up for just enough time for everybody to get a screengrab of it. Despite his overwhelming support for the boxer in the past, it would seem that the UFC star has shut his door to Ryan Garcia following the recent events.
When did Sean O’Malley test positive for ostarine?
With Conor McGregor taking an unruly swipe at Sean O’Malley as well, many may be left wondering when the bantamweight champion test positive for the same substance as Ryan Garcia. For the most part, O’Malley tested positive for ostarine in 2018 and 2019, however, the entire ordeal is less widely discussed due to the nature of it all.
Sean O’Malley holds no ill will towards USADA: ‘I just got so good the last two years, it doesn’t even matter’ (@DamonMartin) https://t.co/9zYBCtHitn pic.twitter.com/hxNcz9gY3q
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 22, 2020
As it turns out, O’Malley failed USADA’s tests for ostarine on two occasions, resulting in six-month bans on each occasion. That said, USADA ultimately revealed that the amount found in O’Malley’s samples was consistent with accidental ingestions from tainted supplements. Moreover, the UFC’s former drug-testing partners believed that the amount present in Sean’s tests was not enough to give him any advantage either.
What has the boxing community made of Ryan Garcia testing positive for PEDs?
All things considered, news of Ryan Garcia testing positive for PEDs has truly divided the combat sports community. Whilst some fans are calling for his win to be overturned into a no-contest, there are others who believe that steroids did not play a part in him thumping Devin Haney on the night. Similarly, fighters and others in the business have had their say on the matter as well.
Immediately after the reports of Garcia’s failed drug test were made public, Devin Haney came out with a full statement on the matter. Venting out his frustrations, he reportedly furthered his intentions to Eddie Hearn who stated that regardless of Ryan Garcia’s denial and innocence, the fight should be overturned into a no-contest. With the boxer coming in overweight and using PEDs, it is understandable that Devin and his father Bill Haney are dismayed.
‼️ Statement from Devin Haney on Ryan Garcia’s positive drugs tests: “It’s unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice. Ryan owes the fans an apology, and by his recent tweet he still…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 2, 2024
Devin Haney’s father/trainer Bill Haney on Ryan Garcia’s positive drugs tests: “You trying to hurt my baby. We played it fair. F*** boxing, this is some bulls***. I came from the streets. You scared of Devin on a level playing field. I feel f***ed up over this.” [@SINow]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 2, 2024
On the other hand, Ryan’s father Henry Garcia has suggested that the testing body is seemingly hand-in-glove with Haney and co. and has likely forged the result. In the meantime, Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez, who have their own beef ongoing, are waiting on the final results before making a full comment. Interestingly, Gervonta Davis, who has been speaking to Garcia, believes that he is innocent. As a result, he had engaged in his own spats with Eddie Hearn and Claressa Shields online.