Canelo Alvarez expressed surprise upon learning about his former gym mate, Ryan Garcia’s failed drug test. The test results were released following Garcia's world title fight against Devin Haney on April 20. Alvarez suggested withholding further discussion until more information emerges and Ryan Garcia has a chance to respond.
Ryan Garcia delivered an impressive performance on April 20 by defeating former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney. Despite concerns over Garcia’s mental health and unusual pre-fight behaviors including admitting to lifestyle indulgences during training and extravagant entry at the press conference, he won the match handing Haney his first career loss through three knockdowns and a points victory. However, his triumph was overshadowed by subsequent positive tests for Ostarine both before and after the fight as reported by ESPN.
These drug test failures led to serious consequences for Garcia. He missed weight, incurred fines, and became ineligible for the WBC world title. He faces a potential ban from boxing akin to Amir Khan’s two-year suspension when he tested positive for the same substance in February 2022.
Despite these setbacks, Ryan denied all cheating allegations vigorously. His career now hangs in the balance with possible long-term absence from boxing looming, greatly damaging his public image that was bolstered significantly by his victory over Haney.
Devin Haney, who lost to Garcia, experienced his first professional defeat in an otherwise sterling career. His participation in this controversy extends only so far as being the incumbent that Garcia defeated under questionable circumstances.
