Boxing sensation Ryan Garcia is embroiled in controversy after a series of offensive remarks. During a live Twitter space on Thursday afternoon, Garcia came under fire for using racial slurs and mocking George Floyd, which sparked widespread outrage.

Following the backlash, Garcia announced he is seeking rehab for alcohol abuse, a decision that comes after the WBC banned him for his inflammatory rant. In his apology, Garcia attempted to shift some focus by bringing up Mike Tyson’s past controversies, a move seen by many as an attempt to deflect blame.

“Let me get this straight, I’ve actually supported black communities,” he said.

“Have taken racism from Tim Bradley calling me a zoo animal on ESPN and turn the other cheek.

“But I’m racist [because] everyone was just drunk and saying s*** people say all the time including black men.

“If you get triggered by a word that means you are too sensitive.

“God knows my heart and how I would protect black children till the day I die.

“I was speaking against black on black crime. They took everything out of context.

“Including the Muslim part – I spoke against paedophile activity in every religion and how I don’t stand for that.

“I grew up in a neighbourhood where everyone said that word that now I’m abolishing from my vocabulary.

“I’ve supported many black men and black communities.

“I’m not mad at the outrage and I sincerely apologize if I hurt and offended anyone.

“But my pain deserves to be felt, black and brown have always united. And it will always be that way.

“I’m just a shade lighter than you, but I love you and I love black children to the point I’d die for a black child. I was actually speaking against black on black crime.

“Again, I’m sorry.”

Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has publicly condemned the remarks, expressing hope that Garcia will receive the help he needs to address his issues.

“There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period,” He noted.

“I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible.

“I see that he has apologised, and that is a start – but it is only a start to earn back the trust and respect of those of us who have and continue to support him.

“We hope Ryan will use the the time he has away from the sport to work through the issues he has publicly discussed.

“We stand ready to help in whatever we can.”