Devin Haney's team has formally requested that the New York State Athletic Commission disqualify Ryan Garcia from their April 20 fight.
This appeal follows Garcia testing positive for ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing substance, as reported by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. The controversy intensified after Garcia weighed in more than three pounds over the 140-pound limit, leading to a majority decision win now contested by Haney's legal representative, Pat English.
English, in an eight-page letter to the commission's leadership and medical chief, made a detailed case for Garcia's disqualification. He cited precedents in both Olympic sports and professional boxing to highlight the severity of Garcia's rule violations, which included prohibited IV use and performance-enhancing drugs. Garcia's admission that he manipulated his weigh-in to gain a competitive advantage further undermined the fight's integrity.
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The commission is under considerable pressure to reassess the fight's outcome and to implement stringent disciplinary measures against Garcia, potentially including fines and suspension.
This situation has sparked widespread discussion within the boxing community about the enforcement of doping regulations and maintaining the sport's integrity. Garcia's camp has responded by requesting a "B" sample test, with results pending. The detected levels of ostarine significantly exceed what some jurisdictions might deem trace amounts, amplifying scrutiny of Garcia's actions before and during the fight.
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