Devin Haney reacts to Ryan Garcia drug test failure: ‘People die in this sport’

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Earlier on Wednesday (May 1, 2024), news released that Ryan Garcia flunked two separate Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drug tests, which took place before and after his boxing match with Devin Haney. Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that helps build muscle. He’s not the first in combat sports athlete to pop for Ostarine, joining combat sports stars like Sean O’Malley. In Garcia’s case, he still can request his B sample be tested.

“King” went online almost immediately after news broke to declare his innocence, cite a grand conspiracy, and generally label the tests fake news. Now, Haney has also issued a statement, and he’s understandably bothered to lose his undefeated record (for now) to an allegedly juiced up opponent.

“We learned about this situation not too long ago,” Haney’s statement to ESPN reads. “And it’s unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice. I’ve always been an advocate for clean fighting and this is an example of such. Ryan owes the fans ana apology, and by his recent tweet, he still thinks this is a joke. We pput our lives on the line to entertain people for a living. You don’t play boxing.

“This puts the fight in a completely different light. Despite the disadvantage, I still fought on my shield and got back up! People die in this sport. This isn’t a joking matter.”

In addition, the New York Athletic Commission issued its own statement, signaling that the commission was in touch with VADA and would review the findings as the situation continues to develop.

Before fully throwing Garcia under the bus, it’s important to note that Ostarine has been found in tainted supplements before, and there’s always the chance that his B sample comes back clean. Until then, however, the situation doesn’t look great for Garcia, who might see the biggest win of his career overturned.

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