Devin Haney Calls for NYSAC to Disqualify Ryan Garcia: A Closer Look at the Controversy

Devin Haney has escalated the stakes as the boxing community awaits the results of Ryan Garcia’s “B” sample analysis. The controversy centres around Garcia’s weight issues and the detection of Ostarine, a banned substance, in his system. The drama unfolded following their April 20 DAZN Pay-Per-View headliner in Brooklyn, New York, where Garcia defeated Haney via a majority decision. However, Garcia’s failure to make weight and subsequent positive drug test has cast a shadow over the bout’s legitimacy.

Haney’s Disqualification Demand

Devin Haney’s legal team has officially requested that the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) change the fight outcome to a disqualification (DQ) loss for Ryan Garcia. This demand hinges on several key points, including Garcia’s deliberate weight management tactics and the presence of Ostarine in his system. Patrick English, Haney’s attorney, articulated their stance to the NYSAC in a letter obtained by The Ring. “[Ostarine] is specifically listed as a prohibited performance-enhancing drug on the Commission [website],” English stated, emphasizing that Garcia’s actions warrant more than a mere No-Contest ruling.

The Significance of Ostarine

Ostarine, also known as Enobosarm, is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that enhances muscle growth and physical performance. Its presence in Garcia’s system not only violates the sport’s regulations but also brings into question the integrity of the fight. “An IV is expressly prohibited. Intentionally coming in overweight is a violation,” English pointed out, arguing for a disqualification that would alter the bout’s outcome in favour of Haney.

The Legal and Ethical Implications

Haney’s appeal is rooted in Section 208.29 of the NYSAC’s combat sport rules, which addresses the consequences of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use. The regulation states that the discovery of such substances can lead to disqualification and other disciplinary actions. English underscored the broader impact on both fighters’ rights: “This is not a matter involving Ryan Garcia alone. There is a blemish on Mr. Haney’s record. He was placed in an unsafe fight under NYSAC jurisdiction. The bout was made a mockery.”

The legal team’s 33-paragraph explanation details numerous violations, including Garcia’s public admission of intentional weight manipulation and positive drug tests from samples collected on April 19 and 20. These findings, significantly above trace amounts, highlight a systemic issue that goes beyond a single bout.

Precedent in Boxing History

Haney’s team cited the 2016 WBC super middleweight bout between Lucian Bute and Badou Jack as a precedent. In that case, Bute’s positive test for Ostarine led to a disqualification ruling in favour of Jack, converting the initial draw into a victory for Jack. The parallel drawn here underscores the consistency in applying rules across different cases, bolstering Haney’s argument for a similar outcome.

Garcia’s Defense and the B Sample Analysis

Ryan Garcia and his supporters have claimed potential contamination, reviewing all food and supplements ingested before the fight. The analysis of Garcia’s “B” sample, requested by his attorney Darrin Chavez, is a pivotal moment in this controversy. Scheduled for May 22, the outcome of this analysis will significantly influence the NYSAC’s final decision. By their own by-laws, the commission must rule within 15 days after receiving the test report if the initial findings are confirmed.

The Role of NYSAC and Boxing Integrity

The role of NYSAC in this scenario is crucial. Their decision will not only determine the official result of the Haney-Garcia bout but also set a precedent for future cases involving PED use and weight violations. As English aptly stated, “[In] addition to the PED use and prohibited use of IVs after the bout, Mr. Garcia admitted that missing weight was a tactic to give him an unfair advantage.” This admission alone raises significant ethical questions about fair play and sportsmanship in boxing.

The Broader Impact on Boxing

This case transcends the individual careers of Haney and Garcia. It raises fundamental questions about the enforcement of rules and the integrity of professional boxing. The sport’s governing bodies must ensure that all fighters adhere to strict regulations to maintain a level playing field. Any leniency in this regard could undermine the sport’s credibility and discourage adherence to the rules.

As the boxing community awaits the NYSAC’s ruling, the outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications. Haney’s pursuit of justice highlights the need for stringent enforcement of regulations and serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in sports. Whether the commission sides with Haney’s demand for a disqualification or opts for a No-Contest ruling, the decision will set a significant precedent for handling similar cases in the future.