Boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has found himself at the center of a firestorm after a recent social media incident. In a startling Twitter spaces livestream, the young athlete used racial slurs and made offensive remarks towards jewish faith and Islam as well as mocking the tragic death of George Floyd.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) swiftly responded by banning Garcia indefinitely, a decision that has sparked the boxer’s attempt to draw a parallel between his own actions and the controversial past of legendary fighter Mike Tyson.
In a series of tweets, Garcia acknowledged the outrage over his remarks, stating, “I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone said that word that now I’m abolishing from my vocabulary.” He went on to claim that he has “supported many Black men and Black communities” and that his “pain deserves to be felt.”
However, the most notable aspect of Garcia’s response was his attempt to justify his behavior by invoking Tyson’s history. He questioned why the WBC had not taken similar action against other athletes who had made “racist remarks,” citing Devin Haney and Tim Bradley as examples.
This line of reasoning has drawn criticism, as many have pointed out that Tyson’s past transgressions, while complex and controversial, do not provide a valid excuse for Garcia’s own misconduct. The young boxer’s attempt to deflect responsibility by comparing himself to one of the sport’s most iconic yet polarizing figures has been met with disdain from fans and industry figures alike.
Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s promoter, has condemned the remarks in the strongest terms, stating that “there is no room for hate or intolerance” at his company. De La Hoya acknowledged Garcia’s apology as a “start” but emphasized that the boxer must work to “earn back the trust and respect” of those who have supported him.
Garcia is reportedly entering a program to address his drinking after even his parents disavowed his comments.
