Ryan Garcia has released a statement saying he has never taken steroids despite returning positive tests.
The WBC confirmed it has been notified by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association that the 25-year-old returned “adverse findings” from a sample taken in April.
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Samples were reportedly taken the day of his win over Devin Haney but the results did not arrive until afterwards.
Garcia knocked Haney down three times in the shock victory, but was not handed the WBC light-welterweight title after missing weight.
On social media platform X, he said: “Everybody knows that I don’t cheat.
“Never taken a steroid, I don’t even know where to get steroids.
“I barely take supplements. Big lies, I beat him.”
Ryan Garcia denies taking PEDs after allegedly failing two Vada drug tests surrounding his fight with Devin Haney.
Haney accuses him of ‘cheating’ in wake of reports https://t.co/VBocYEjcQB
— Coral Barry (@Coral__Barry) May 2, 2024
Reports suggest Garcia tested positive for ostarine, which is used to support muscle growth and enhance performance.
It has been banned from boxing for the last 16 years and British boxer Amir Khan was previously banned for two years after testing positive for the substance.
Golden Boy Promotions – Garcia’s promoters – added: “Ryan has put out multiple statements denying knowingly using any banned substances – and we believe him.
Haney also commented and called for his rival to issue an apology to the fans.
He said: “We learned about this situation not too long ago and it’s unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty.
“Ryan owes the fans an apology, and by his recent tweet he still thinks this is a joke.
“We put our lives on the line to entertain people for a living.”
