Ryan Garcia suggests he has ‘officially retired’ from boxing as he awaits to learn fate over failed drugs tests

Ryan Garcia has claimed that his boxing career is over for good.

The American star picked up a huge points win over rival Devin Haney last time out, but it was revealed he had failed two pre-fight drugs tests, which came back positive for banned substance ostarine.

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Garcia’s fate lies in the hands of the New York Commission who are holding a meeting this week to discuss his potential punishment.

But he appears to have made up his own mind, tweeting: “I’m officially retired.”

The world title challenger has claimed he will retire early in the past, but he later U-turned and said he was ready to continue his practice of the sweet science.

He also took a 15-month break from boxing during 2021 and 2022, citing mental health reasons for his absence.

The situation could mean that Haney would regain his unbeaten record, as the result of the fight may well be overturned to a no-contest.

Garcia could yet also receive a ban from the sport, which could be around the two-year mark if he is to be punished severely.

But the 25-year-old’s team are hoping to use a supplement contamination defence, to get his ban reduced to around a four-month period.

Garcia’s legal representative Paul Greene made a statement, which read: “The test results from samples of two supplements declared by Ryan Garcia on VADA Doping Control Forms, signed on April 19th and 20th, have returned positive for Ostarine contamination,” the statement reads.

“This confirms what we have consistently maintained: Ryan was a victim of supplement contamination and has never intentionally used any banned or performance-enhancing substances.

“Any claims to the contrary, questioning Ryan’s integrity as a clean fighter, are unequivocally false and defamatory.

“Throughout his career, Ryan has voluntarily submitted to numerous tests, all of which have returned negative results, underscoring his commitment to fair and clean competition.

“Additionally, multiple negative tests leading up to his fight against Haney further affirm his clean record.

“The ultra-low levels of Ostarine detected in his samples, in the billionth of a gram range, along with his clean hair sample proves contamination rather than intentional ingestion. The recent test results reiterate this.”

He then added: “We understand Ryan’s going to get some sanction, but we feel like given this evidence now it should be a light sanction.”

Garcia still has big plans in the sport, including a rematch with Gervonta Davis.

He is also open to a sequel with Haney, and his rival has suggested he will take a break from the sport until the second episode can be made.

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