Ryan Garcia says he’s heading to the UFC as his boxing career is on hold for a year.
Thursday, reports surfaced that Garcia (24-1) settled upon an agreement with the New York State Athletic Commission after the boxer failed a pre-fight and fight-day drug test for his bout against Devin Haney. Garcia’s “A” and later-tested “B” samples showed the presence of the banned substance ostarine.
As a result of the agreement with NYSAC, Garcia is now suspended for one year, will forfeit $1.1 million of his official contract purse to Golden Boy Promotions, of which a portion Haney (31-0) could receive. Garcia was also fined by the commission $10,000, the maximum the state allows.
Perhaps most importantly to Garcia, his majority decision win over Haney has been overturned to a no contest, erasing a massive upset victory and restoring Haney’s undefeated record.
In an Instagram post, Garcia, apparently upset at the outcome, said Haney got what he wanted. Since he cannot box for a year, “King” said he will take his talents to the UFC.
Hey look at this cry baby get what he wants
I never cheated
They banned me for a year, I HATE ALL YALL FAKE AHHH PEOPLE
Boxing sucks I’m going to the ufc
Garcia, 25, has consistently denied intentionally taking a banned substance, despite accepting the terms of the agreement with NYSAC.
In a second post on Instagram, Garcia shared a statement from his legal team, with a much different tone in the caption:
From my team to yours
Big thanks for everyone’s support
I appreciate you, I LOVE JESUS WITH ALL MY HEART