Ryan Garcia has announced his retirement via social media. It comes as reports out of New York suggest he is facing a suspension for those two failed drug tests that tainted his win over Devin Haney on April 20.
Furthermore, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) have indicated that the result of that bout – a 12-round points win for Garcia – will be changed to a no contest or disqualification victory for Haney. The latter would represent a significant statement in boxing’s ongoing battle with performance enhancing drugs.
As ever, Garcia’s latest statements on social media feed are jumbled, erratic, and speak of a troubled, unsettled mind.
“Mom has cancer… I’m being sued… My supplements were tainted… Going thru a divorce… Devin asking for my victory to be taken away… I’m getting hit with everything,” he said in one post.
Three more came in quick succession.
“Boxing will be alright without me… But sucks I was fun in the game… And it was fun to punch people” … “I MAY RETIRE IM DONE WITH THIS GAME” … “Forget I existed everyone” … “I’m outty”
On he went.
“Y’all may catch me out and about but as far as boxing I don’t know… 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 I’m done with it and everyone… The sad part is I’m a great boxer… And I entertain and knock people out… I’m sad bc I love boxing… Praying for everyone and I hope everyone has a great life”
Which teed up his final address of Wednesday night.
“I’m officially retired.”
Bill Haney, the father and trainer of Devin Haney, didn’t take long to respond.
“This don’t surprise me that Ryan Garcia is talking about that he’s retired and he’s not going to stand up for his fate in 48 hours,” Haney said.
“Everybody’s been protecting him. We know these channels, you seem to celebrate guys on drugs in the ring. But, you’re running out of time.
“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 going to go down with the shit. Mark my words.”
On Tuesday, Top Rank were the only promoters to bid for Devin Haney’s mandated WBC junior-welterweight title defence against Sandor Martin. Yet Bob Arum – whose bid of a little under $2.5m is more likely to persuade Haney to relinquish the belt than take that fight – indicated on Wednesday that he is open to instead making a fight between WBO titlist Teofimo Lopez should Haney prefer.