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Ryan Garcia makes plea to UFC boss Dana White after boxing ban

Ryan Garcia makes plea to UFC boss Dana White after boxing ban

Garcia has been suspended for a year following his win against Devin Haney and has now called on UFC boss White to sign him to the MMA promotion



Garcia admits to drinking during Haney fight week

Ryan Garcia has begged UFC boss Dana White to sign him after being handed a one-year boxing ban.

The boxer tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine before and after his victory against Devin Haney in April. Garcia has now been banned by the New York State Athletic Commission and fined $1.1 million (£870,000) from his fight purse. The state also fined Garcia $10,000 (£7,900), which is the maximum fine allowed.




Garcia responded to the news of his ban by tweeting, “I’m going to the UFC. Dana White, I want my 50gs ($50,000), for real Dana.” The 25-year-old maintained his innocence, adding: “I really hope boxing will be good without me. I’ve fought everyone and was willing to do that. They turned their back on me, I’m innocent. I stand by it that I don’t care.” what everyone says. With a gun to my head I say I didn’t take PEDs.”

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Haney’s loss to Garcia was the first defeat of his professional career, but the result has now been changed to a no-contest following Garcia’s suspension, restoring Haney’s undefeated record. Haney responded to the news by thanking the New York Commission and plans to return to take a year off from boxing.

Team Garcia released a statement on the boxer’s ban, saying: “Ryan Garcia was a victim of substance contamination, with levels measured in the billions and trillions of grams, which provided no benefit whatsoever in the ring. Ryan, with his legal team, has resolved this issue and firmly stands by his truth: he never intentionally used a banned substance. It is simply not in his nature.


“For years, Ryan has voluntarily submitted to random testing, even during periods out of competition, and has never had any issues. He has maintained an impeccable and clean record throughout his career, significantly elevating and transcending the sport of boxing. earning the respect and admiration of millions of fans around the world.”

Garcia was a huge underdog in his fight against Haney, but cruised to a decisive victory after beating his rival three times in the fight. Garcia should have claimed Haney’s WBC lightweight world title with the win, but he was ineligible for the title after losing three pounds in weight.