Ryan Garcia protests innocence after one-year boxing ban issued, Devin Haney win declared no-contest

Lightweight boxing star Ryan Garcia has been suspended for one year after taking the banned performance-enhancing drug ostarine.

The 25-year-old reached an agreement with the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the substance, which comes in light of his victory against Devin Haney on April 20 - now declared a no-contest.

Garcia has forfeited his guaranteed purse from the fight (before any cuts of pay-per-view sales or bonuses) - reported to be $1.2 million – while the commission has also fined him $10,000.

NYSAC said in a statement: "The commission will continue to hold athletes to the highest professional standards and protect the integrity of all sports under our jurisdiction."

Ostarine can be used to help athletes build muscle, accelerate fat loss, and enhance recovery time. It has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2008, and was subsequently named as an anabolic agent in 2022.

"I'm innocent," Garcia posted on X. "I stand by that, I don't care what everyone says. Gun to my head, I say I didn't take PEDs."

This was echoed in a statement by his team given to ESPN, which read: "Ryan, with his legal team, has resolved this issue and firmly maintains his truth: he never intentionally took any banned substance.

"It's simply not in his nature. The fans will always remember his performance against Haney as a masterclass, and that will never be erased."

Meanwhile, the ruling was welcomed by Haney, who praised the commission and claimed he wanted to "become an advocate" for those athletes finding themselves in a similar situation.

"I want to thank the commission and the fans who stood by me during this whole process," Haney added.

"The facts are the facts, and I wasn't on an even playing field. Happy I was able to receive justice for what happened. It's all part of my story and it's only going to make me better. I look to enjoy this time with my family and friends and see what's next.

"I'm a clean athlete and boxing is a brutal sport where one fight can literally change your life. I think it important for fighters to be clean and I want to become an advocate for clean athletes for my experience in this situation."

This settlement with Garcia means that no hearing will be held over Garcia’s case. The boxer’s lawyer – Pat English – spoke of his dismay at the ruling.

"It is a harsh result," he added. "I have never seen a $1.2 million forfeiture or anything remotely close to it."

Garcia will be reinstated on April 20, 2025, providing that a urine test contains no banned substances.

The 25-year-old will now be out of action for a minimum period of one year, and the Association of Boxing Commissions will honour the suspension imposed by the New York State Athletic Commission.

Garcia's pro record now reverts to 24-1, with the highlight of his career scrubbed from his win column. Meanwhile, Haney regains his unbeaten status at 31-0.

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