Controversy Surrounds Ryan Garcia’s Victory Over Devin Haney
Ryan Garcia pulled off a surprising victory against Devin Haney in Brooklyn on April 20, despite being considered a heavy underdog. The fight, initially intended for the WBC super lightweight championship, took a twist when Garcia weighed in three pounds overweight, rendering the belt unavailable for contention.
However, the aftermath of the fight brought about unexpected revelations. ESPN reported that Garcia tested positive for ostarine, a banned substance categorized as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), both the day before and the day of the fight. While Garcia vehemently denied any intentional doping, stating he has “never taken a steroid in [his] life,” questions lingered.
Conor McGregor, not one to shy away from controversy, voiced his opinion on the matter, calling for Garcia’s punishment. McGregor’s stance shifted from previous support for Garcia, with the MMA star advocating for a “lifetime ban” due to the alleged infractions.
The fallout from the positive drug test could potentially overturn Garcia’s victory, casting a shadow over his impressive performance. Despite the controversy, Garcia managed to knock Haney down three times, securing a significant win over the WBC super lightweight champion.
However, the lead-up to the bout was fraught with tension, with an altercation between Garcia and Haney at a press event preceding the fight. The incident led to the cancellation of their planned appearance to throw the first pitch at a New York Mets game, adding further drama to an already contentious showdown.
