BREAKING: Ryan Garcia Failed Another PEDs TEST Ahead Of Rolly Romero Fight!!!

Just hours before his highly anticipated return to the ring, boxing superstar Ryan Garcia has been rocked by a devastating revelation: he has failed another performance-enhancing drug (PED) test ahead of his May 2 fight against Rolando “Rolly” Romero at Times Square, New York. The news, which broke at 12:45 AM +07, has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, raising serious questions about Garcia’s career, the integrity of the sport, and the future of the “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” fight card scheduled for later today.

A Repeat Offense That Spells Trouble

According to a statement released by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) at 12:45 AM +07, Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, the same banned substance that led to his one-year suspension following his April 2024 fight against Devin Haney. That bout, initially a majority decision win for Garcia, was overturned to a no-contest after the positive test, resulting in a $1.1 million purse forfeiture, a $10,000 fine, and a year-long ban by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). Garcia’s suspension was lifted on April 24, 2025, after he met the conditions of the Consent Order, including submitting to random drug tests.

The latest test failure occurred during a random VADA screening on April 28, 2025, just days before his scheduled welterweight clash with Romero for the vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title. “Ryan Garcia’s A-sample tested positive for Ostarine, a banned substance,” the VADA statement read. “He has 10 days to request a B-sample test at his own expense.” This marks the second time in just over a year that Garcia has been flagged for the same PED, a selective androgen receptor modulator known for enhancing muscle growth and recovery.

The Fallout: Fight in Jeopardy

The timing of the revelation couldn’t be worse for Garcia, who was set to headline a blockbuster card in Times Square, an event that also features Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez and Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. The NYSAC, which oversees the event, has not yet announced whether the Garcia-Romero fight will be canceled, but sources close to the commission indicate that a decision is expected within hours. “This is a serious violation, especially given Garcia’s history,” an anonymous NYSAC official told ESPN shortly after the news broke. “We are reviewing the situation urgently.”

Golden Boy Promotions, Garcia’s promoter, issued a brief statement at 12:55 AM +07, expressing disappointment but refraining from further comment until the B-sample results are available. “We are aware of the situation and are working closely with all parties to determine the next steps,” the statement read. DAZN, which is broadcasting the event worldwide, has also remained silent, leaving fans in limbo as they await updates on whether the fight will proceed.

Garcia’s Response and the Boxing Community Reacts

Garcia took to X at 01:00 AM +07 to address the allegations, posting a cryptic message: “I’m clean, always have been—this is a setup.” He followed up with a longer statement, claiming, “I’ve been tested more than anyone in boxing this year, and this is the only time something shows up. I don’t know how this happened, but I’ll fight to clear my name.” Garcia’s team has hinted at the possibility of contamination, a defense they used in 2024, but the repeat offense has cast doubt on his credibility.

The boxing community has erupted in response to the news. On X, the hashtag #GarciaPEDScandal is trending worldwide, with fans and fighters alike weighing in. “Garcia’s done—two PED fails in a year? He’s a cheat,” one user wrote. Another defended him, saying, “This smells like sabotage. Garcia’s been clean in every other test this year—something’s not right.” Devin Haney, who is also fighting on the card and has a potential rematch with Garcia lined up later in 2025, posted a pointed message: “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… the truth always comes out.”

Prominent figures in the sport have also chimed in. Veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael posted on X at 01:05 AM +07, “Garcia’s B-sample will be key, but this looks bad. Ostarine again? That’s not a good look for a guy who just got off a suspension.” Meanwhile, Rolly Romero, Garcia’s opponent, took a more aggressive stance, telling MMA Fighting at 12:58 AM +07, “If he’s dirty, he’s a coward. I’ll fight him anyway and knock him out—PEDs or no PEDs.”

A Pattern of Controversy

Garcia’s career has been no stranger to controversy. His 2024 fight against Haney was marred not only by the PED violation but also by his erratic behavior leading up to the bout, including missing weight by 3.2 pounds, admitting to drinking and smoking during training, and engaging in bizarre social media rants. Despite these issues, Garcia delivered a career-best performance, dropping Haney three times en route to what was initially a victory. His suspension, however, tarnished his reputation, and he spent much of the past year attempting to rebuild his image.

In preparation for the Romero fight, Garcia enrolled in both VADA and California State Athletic Commission random testing programs, a move his team touted as proof of his commitment to clean fighting. “Ryan has been testing for years and always tested clean,” his manager Lupe Valencia told Ring Magazine in February 2025. “He was the victim of contamination last time.” Yet, the latest positive test undermines these claims, raising questions about whether Garcia can ever regain the trust of the boxing community.

What’s Next for Garcia and the Fight Card?

If the B-sample confirms the presence of Ostarine, Garcia faces severe consequences, including a potential multi-year suspension, hefty fines, and the cancellation of his fight with Romero. The NYSAC could also impose additional penalties given his prior violation, potentially barring him from competing in New York for the foreseeable future. For the “Fatal Fury” card, the loss of its main event would be a significant blow, though the undercard fights featuring Haney and Lopez may still draw a substantial audience.

For Romero, who has been vocal about his readiness to face Garcia, the news is a bitter pill. “I’ve trained my whole camp for this moment,” Romero said in a pre-fight interview with DAZN News. “I’m not here to play games—I’m here to win.” If the fight is canceled, Romero may be left searching for a new opponent, while Garcia’s career hangs in the balance.

A Dark Day for Boxing

Ryan Garcia’s latest PED test failure has cast a long shadow over what was supposed to be a triumphant return for one of boxing’s brightest stars. As the boxing world awaits the results of the B-sample and the NYSAC’s final decision, one thing is clear: this scandal has reignited debates about doping in the sport and the challenges of ensuring a level playing field. Whether Garcia can clear his name or face the consequences of another ban, his legacy—and the sport itself—may never be the same.