Super lightweight Ryan Garcia is ‘back in the lab’ as the Golden Boy star eyes a return to action when his suspension ends in 2025.
The 26-year-old has seven months remaining on a one-year ban handed down by the New York State Athletic Commission. Garcia tested positive for ostarine. The boxer and his team subsequently failed to prove how the substance got into his system.
Garcia had shown little signs of wanting to train during the weeks after his punishment as his seemingly manic episode continued. Since February, many question marks have accompanied Garcia’s behavior as the former world title challenger imploded mentally.
However, over the last few weeks, Garcia seems to have found a balance between working out and social media time after returning to the gym.
The top contender is ready for his next challenge despite eyeing a possible exhibition or UFC fight. Under NYSAC rules, Garcia is morally unable to participate in any combat sports or exhibitions. He could conceivably fight abroad if he wanted to go firmly against those rules, but it would be seriously frowned upon.
Ryan Garcia is frustrated
He admits the time out of action is frustrating.
“My whole career has been nothing but great fights. But no matter what, I always go on this type of break [and] I hate it. I’m just trying to show my talent to the world. I have so much to give,” pointed out Garcia.
During his defense to the NYSAC, ‘Kingry’ claimed contamination and wanted to be exonerated. However, those claims were quickly ruled out by open containers provided to the NYSAC as evidence and a statement from the supplement manufacturer who tested the same unopened batch.
With his reputation taking a hammering, Garcia has much to prove upon his return but is expected to fully cooperate with the new drug testing measures expected by the NYSAC as part of his penalty.
For now, Garcia can stay sharp and train until a fight can be arranged in late April 2025. An opponent shortlist will undoubtedly be drawn up already as Garcia looks to build on his victory over Devin Haney, which was since ruled a no-contest.
If Garcia can shed the weight and meet Haney at an ideal poundage, a second fight with Haney could be worth tens of millions of dollars due to the infamy.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
