Devin Haney’s legal team has formally requested the New York State Athletic Commission to disqualify Ryan Garcia following his contentious victory on April 20. The match was initially hailed as a win for Garcia. However, it has been overshadowed by his later positive test result for the illegal PED ostarine.
Haney’s attorney Pat English has presented an eight-page appeal to the commission’s directors and officials. The plea is grounded on established precedents and the unique circumstances surrounding this case, aiming for Garcia’s disqualification. This move holds the potential to overturn Garcia’s win, turning it into a loss and awarding the victory to Haney.
The match has faced intense scrutiny due to Garcia’s unanticipated conduct leading up to the match. This includes exceeding the 140-pound weight limit by over three pounds during the weigh-in and admitting to employing weight manipulation tactics to gain an unfair advantage.
Garcia’s subsequent positive PED test for ostarine detected both before and on the day of the match has further intensified the controversy.
Haney’s camp alleges that Garcia jeopardized the safety and integrity of the match by competing under the influence. They highlight the additional risks involved in a physically demanding sport like boxing. English’s communication to the NYSAC outlines several infractions by Garcia, including the use of IVs. It is a known method to dilute urine and evade positive PED tests.
Additional controversies surfaced when Garcia suggested that his positive PED test could be a result of tampering with his sample. Despite maintaining his innocence, Garcia’s actions have cast doubt on the legitimacy of the bout.
English emphasizes the severity of Garcia’s transgressions. He stated that the levels of ostarine detected were significantly above what some jurisdictions might consider trace amounts. Furthermore, Garcia’s claim of being “high as f***” during the match has not only damaged his reputation but also brought disrepute to the sport and the overseeing commission.
The NYSAC has yet to reach a verdict on Garcia’s status. With potential fines and suspensions looming and Haney’s camp advocating for disqualification rather than a no-contest outcome, the boxing community eagerly awaits a resolution. The forthcoming decision is anticipated to establish a precedent for addressing such violations.
Meanwhile, Garcia has requested the testing of a ‘B’ sample, leaving the boxing community uncertain about the actual result of the contentious match on April 20.
