Ryan Garcia denies using steroids amid reports of failed drug tests

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Ryan Garcia has refuted the accusations that he took steroids, despite claims that he flunked drug screenings prior to and after his bout with Devin Haney in April.

Dan Rafael and ESPN were the first to report that Garcia has allegedly tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. This news came after two tests administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) - one on April 19th and another after the fight on April 20th - were unsuccessful.

In the boxing match, Garcia, a 25-year-old, knocked Haney, who is also 25 years old, down three times to achieve a majority decision victory, causing a big surprise. Before the fight, Garcia had some unsettling conduct, which prompted him to undergo a mental health assessment. However, he later confessed that it was all just a "performance". Garcia also failed to meet the weight requirement by three pounds.

In response to the news from Wednesday, the individual from America stated on X: "Everyone is aware that I do not engage in cheating. I have never used any steroids, in fact, I am completely unaware of where one can obtain such substances. I hardly even utilize supplements. These are egregious falsehoods; I was the one who triumphed over him."

It's really unfortunate that they're attempting to take away my most significant accomplishment. It's quite disheartening to consider. I mean, why would I even agree to undergo a drug test if I had any intentions of taking drugs?

People use Ostarine to enhance their muscle growth. The Independent has reached out to Vada for a statement.

The spokesperson for Garcia's promoter, Golden Boy owned by Oscar De La Hoya, released a statement expressing their support for Ryan. They stated that Ryan has denied any knowledge of using banned substances, and they trust his words.

The company known as Golden Boy Promotions mentioned that they are currently attempting to “ascertain the reason for this discovery”.

Haney was set to protect his WBC super-lightweight champion title against his fellow countryman Garcia, however, Garcia couldn't make weight properly. Therefore, "King Ryan" couldn't win the belt.

Haney had not lost a fight before the match in Brooklyn, while Garcia experienced his initial defeat as a professional boxer last year, when Gervonta Davis halted him.