New York commission suspends Garcia for a year and rules his win over Haney a no-contest

Ryan Garcia was suspended for a year by New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled Thursday that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

commission also said Garcia would have to forfeit $1 million he me on fight and pay a $10,000 fine.

Garcia would be eligible to fight again in New York state after April 20, 2025, if he passes a drug test, commission ruled.

“ Commission will continue to hold athletes to highest professional standards and protect integrity of all sports under our jurisdiction,” NYSAC said in statement.

Though suspension applies only to fights in New York state, athletic commissions typically abide by rulings in or jurisdictions.

Garcia said several times on X, previously known as Twitter, before news of suspension that he was retiring from boxing and later even posted that he wants to talk to UFC president Dana White about joining that organization.

“I really hope boxing good without me,” Garcia posted. “I fought everyone and was willing to. y have turned re (sic) back on me. I’m innocent. I stand by that I don’t care what everyone says. Gun yo my he I say I didn’t take PED’s.”

Garcia’s attorneys said in a statement he “was a victim of substance contamination” and that boxer has repeatedly passed drug tests, even when not in training for a fight.

statement said: “... he never intentionally took any banned substance. It’s simply not in his nature.”

ESPN previously reported that Garcia’s A-sample tested positive for performance-enhancing substance Ostarine day before and day of bout with Haney, citing a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association letter. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator, and its use can stimulate muscle growth. It is banned by World Anti-Doping Agency. results of test weren’t known until later.

Garcia defeated Haney by majority decision in New York. Garcia knocked Haney down three times and handed WBC super lightweight champion his first loss, but did not win title because he was over weight limit.

Haney thanked commission in an interview with ESPN.

“ facts are facts and I wasn’t on an even playing field,” Haney said. “Happy I was able to receive justice for what happened. It’s all part of my story and it’s only going to make me better. I look to enjoy this time with my family and friends and see what’s next.”