Ryan Garcia agrees to a one-year suspension after a failed drug test and claims he is ‘on his way to the UFC’

Ryan Garcia is officially marginalized.

The Garcia boxing saga ended in the most seemingly ridiculous way possible when he scored a big, surprising majority decision victory Devin Haney in April 2024 (watch highlights). That was until Garcia’s victory was declared void due to his failed pre- and post-match doping tests.

Garcia, 25, vehemently denied using banned substances and made several jokes about it. However, he has now agreed to a suspension and the following consequences, according to Daniel Rafael.

“Ryan Garcia and his legal team have reached a settlement with NYSAC,” Rafael tweeted. “He has agreed to the following: suspension for a minimum of one year; forfeiture of his official contract money of $1.1 million (goes to GB, Haney may get %), $10,000 fine (maximum from the state); fight officially declared void.”

In typical Garcia fashion, he responded to the news on Twitter with a series of tweets.

In a press release, Garcia’s team issued the following statement.

“Ryan Garcia was the victim of a substance contamination that contained billions and trillions of grams of substances that did not give him any advantage in the ring.

“Ryan and his legal team have resolved this issue and are sticking to the truth: he has never intentionally taken any banned substances. It is simply not in his nature.”

“Ryan has voluntarily submitted to random testing for many years, even out of competition, and has never had any problems. He has maintained an impeccable and clean record throughout his career, taking the sport of boxing to a significantly higher level and earning the respect and admiration of millions of fans around the world.

“The fans will always remember his performance against Haney as a masterpiece and that will never be erased.

“Ryan will continue to move the sport forward and actively advocate for reform. We hope that future changes to our system will address issues like this.

“We want to thank all the fans who have continued to support Ryan, not only in the great moments, but also in the difficult times that life brings. He will be back in the ring soon and better than ever!”

Since Garcia’s recent victory is no longer a victory, his knockout in the eighth round against Oscar Duarte will be the last time he officially raised his hand, in December 2023. Right before the fight, Garcia suffered his first and only career loss in 26 fights, when Gervonta Davis defeated him by knockout in the seventh round (watch highlights).