We've learned to take what super lightweight star Ryan Garcia says with a pinch of salt, but rumours are circulating that his recent retirement announcement could be on the level.
On Wednesday, Garcia took to Twitter (X) and voiced his displeasure with the sport that’s made him a millionaire several times over and given him a lifestyle that most professional boxers can only dream of.
"Y'all may catch me out and about but as far as boxing I don’t know," said Garcia. "There is so much corruption, I’m over it. I may do acting or singing, I’ll still be training, but I’m hurt and done with it and everyone.
"The sad part is I’m a great boxer and I entertain and knock people out. I’m sad [because] I [love] boxing. Praying for everyone and I hope everyone has a great life."
MORE: Ryan Garcia tweets timeline
Approximately one hour later, the message was as short and compact as one of the Californian’s trademark left hooks.
I’m officially retired
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) June 19, 2024
Understandably, social media exploded, with most fans of the opinion that Garcia was trolling. However, Bill Haney, trainer and father of WBC super lightweight champ Devin Haney, followed up with a video on his official Instagram page and offered his opinion on the timing of Garcia’s announcement.
"It don’t (sic) surprise me that Ryan Garcia is talking about retiring and that he’s not going to stand up for his faith in 48 hours,” Haney said. "Everybody’s been protecting him.
"In 48 hours, your boy Ryan Garcia will be suspended, and you networks, promoters, and everybody that’s been trying to protect him… you’re gonna go down with the ship. Mark my words."
On April 20, Garcia floored Haney three times en route to a 12-round majority decision win in New York. Less than two weeks later, it was revealed that Garcia had tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in two tests conducted by VADA before and after the bout.
At the end of last month, Garcia’s legal team explained that the fighter had in fact been a victim of substance contamination. Per USA Today, Sports Medicine Research & Testing took samples of the very supplements that Garcia used ahead of the Haney fight and confirmed the presence of ostarine.
The substances that were analysed were NutraBIO super carb raspberry lemonade and strawberry-flavoured Body Heath Perfect Amino.
"This confirms what we have consistently maintained: Ryan was a victim of supplement contamination and has never intentionally used any banned or performance-enhancing substances,’" read a statement issued by the fighter’s legal team. "Any claims to the contrary, questioning Ryan's integrity as a clean fighter, are unequivocally false and defamatory.’"
However, NutraBio were quick to defend both themselves and their product.
"NutraBio has never manufactured a supplement with Ostarine and has never brought Ostarine into our manufacturing facility," read the statement. "We have a long-standing commitment to producing the highest-quality supplements, trusted by athletes worldwide.
"NutraBio set the bar when it comes to guaranteeing products' quality and safety and we are the first sports supplement company to have full-label disclosure. Our supplements are manufactured in our own GMP facility, meeting CFR Part 111 GMP regulations.
"We take any claims against our company extremely seriously and we will aggressively investigate the recent allegations made by Ryan Garcia’s camp. We stand by our process for ensuring the quality, safety and security of our products. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in us by our customers and athletes alike, and we are confident that trust is deserved."
The NYSAC has been gathering information from all parties and their decision on Garcia’s fate is imminent.
What is Ostarine?
Ostarine is a banned performance-enhancing drug, which is used by athletes to increase strength and muscle growth.
Classed as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), it binds to the body's androgen receptors and stimulates muscle growth, making it commonly used by bodybuilders via dietary supplements.
While it operates in a similar fashion, SARMs such as ostarine are not steroids, as they target specific parts of the human body, whereas steroids affect the entire body.
The drug is not FDA-approved, meaning it is unsuitable for human consumption, and its use by athletes is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).