Veteran trainer Teddy Atlas has raised significant concerns about the mental well-being of super lightweight contender Ryan Garcia ahead of his scheduled fight against WBC 140-pound champion Devin Haney. With Garcia displaying unsettling behavior on social media, Atlas insists that the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) must take immediate action by requiring Garcia to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
The call for intervention is not isolated to Atlas; it echoes sentiments within the boxing community, including those from Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Garcia’s former gym mate and a four-division world champion. Alvarez has expressed concern for Garcia’s current state and suggested that, under his guidance, Garcia’s upcoming fight would likely be postponed.
Atlas’s critique of the NYSAC’s current stance is stark, proposing that failure to address Garcia’s alarming behavior compromises the commission's integrity and purpose. The vivid description of Garcia's erratic posts, which include references to substance use and harrowing experiences, amplifies the urgency for professional assessment and possible intervention.
The discussion has expanded beyond the immediate circle of boxing insiders, with former commission chairman and current radio host Randy Gordon emphasizing the necessity of a mental health evaluation for Garcia. Gordon’s perspective, informed by his experience in regulatory roles, underscores the paramount importance of prioritizing a fighter's health and safety over the spectacle of sport. The lack of a formal response from the New York commission's executive director, Kim Sumbler, adds a layer of concern regarding the commission’s engagement with such critical issues.
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