Ryan Garcia’s B sample has been opened and confirmed positive, following his previous positive test. Garcia failed two VADA tests for Ostarine after his victory over Devin Haney. The urine samples were collected the day before and the day of the fight. Ostarine is known for enhancing muscle growth, stamina, and aiding in weight loss. Garcia denies intentionally using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and controversially claims it was a set-up, accusing several individuals, including Victor Conte and Eddie Hearn.
Garcia expressed concern over Conte’s connection to VADA due to Conte’s notorious past, which includes an arrest for money laundering and attempting to distribute steroids through his former company, BALCO. Garcia also criticized Hearn for supporting Haney, though Hearn simply wanted Garcia to prove his innocence. With the B sample confirming the A sample’s results, Garcia is confirmed to have tested positive for Ostarine, which has serious implications.
#### What Does This Mean?
VADA is renowned for its rigorous testing standards in boxing. Garcia now faces a difficult challenge to argue against the test results. To prove his innocence, he must demonstrate that his supplements or food were contaminated. He has already submitted all his supplements to the relevant authorities for testing. His attorney claims the amount of Ostarine found in his system is too low to have any performance-enhancing effects.
Even so, strict liability applies, meaning athletes are responsible for any substances found in their system, regardless of intent. This principle aims to encourage boxers to be more cautious about their intake. Consequently, Garcia could still face a ban, and there is a possibility that the fight result could be changed to a no-contest. Haney’s team has already requested Garcia’s disqualification and for Haney to be awarded the win.
Conor Benn recently experienced the challenges of strict liability, as UKAD and the BBBofC suspended him. Initially claiming contamination, Benn’s team later argued jurisdiction, suggesting UKAD could not enforce VADA’s findings. UKAD and BBBofC won an appeal against this argument. Garcia must avoid a prolonged legal battle that could stall his career. Benn has not fought in the UK since 2022 and is no longer a prominent name. Garcia’s recent comments indicate the toll these events are taking on him.
#### Garcia’s Mindset
“When I’m seriously talking about it, I feel a little hurt and damaged by the accusations because I know for a fact that I’m not a cheater, never been a cheater. I’m deeply hurt. I’ve worked so hard my entire life, since I was seven years old, and now one of my greatest victories has an asterisk because of a lie.
“A lie is a lie, the truth is the truth, and this is a lie. So I’m genuinely hurt. I cry at night sometimes knowing they’re trying to taint my victory. They found like a billionth, trillionth of a gram in my system — that’s even crazier. What would that do?” Garcia said.
