In a recent development, attorney Pat English, representing boxer Devin Haney, revealed that Ryan Garcia’s B-samples from drug tests conducted just prior to and on the day of his April 20th bout against Haney have tested positive for the banned substance ostarine. This revelation sheds new light on the controversy surrounding Garcia’s performance in the fight.
The testing, conducted by the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory contracted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) and accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, confirmed the presence of ostarine in Garcia’s samples. Garcia’s legal team attributed the positive result to a contaminated supplement, maintaining Garcia’s innocence and commitment to fair play.
Despite the positive B-sample results, Garcia voluntarily submitted his hair for analysis by Dr. Pascal Kintz, a renowned expert in toxicology and hair-sample analysis, which reportedly returned negative results. Garcia’s legal team argues that this discrepancy supports their claim of supplement contamination rather than intentional doping.
Garcia, who has consistently tested negative in previous tests throughout his career, vehemently denies any intentional use of banned substances. However, the positive A-sample and subsequent B-sample results now prompt further investigation by the New York State Athletic Commission, as the fight took place in New York.
Victor Conte, an advisor for Haney, confirmed the positive B-sample results and indicated that Garcia could potentially face suspension pending the commission’s decision. Garcia, on the other hand, expressed defiance on social media, dismissing concerns about his future in boxing.
Ostarine, a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency and not approved for human use in any country, according to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The unfolding situation adds complexity to Garcia’s career and raises questions about the integrity of the sport.
