Devin Haney has good reason to be angry.
The reigning 140-pound champion suffered an embarrassing three-round loss to an overweight Ryan Garcia – the first defeat of his career – only to discover that Garcia had failed two counts. performance-enhancing drug investigation conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Haney agreed to face an opponent three pounds heavier than the limit. He did not agree to fight a big puncher who juiced the fruit, if further investigation proved it.
“We risk our lives to entertain people for a living. You don’t box,” Haney said in a statement to ESPN.
That’s what makes the news of Garcia failing Ostarine tests so disturbing, as it is whenever a fighter uses a banned substance.
The use of performance-enhancing drugs in non-combat sports is abhorrent as a form of cheating, but it generally poses no threat to the physical and brain health of participants.
Fighters take calculated risks every time they fight, as Haney said. A fighter who uses drugs to gain an artificial advantage increases the risk of his opponent suffering a career-ending brain injury or worse, something he has no right to do.
I always wondered how people would react if a fighter was killed in the ring and we later learned that his opponent was using steroids. I imagine there will be a worldwide outcry the likes of which the sport has never seen, with good reason.
This is the main reason why the powers in boxing must find ways to become even stronger in the fight against drug fraud.
News of Garcia’s failed drug test also spoiled a notable brawl on April 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Many feared for Garcia’s health because of his bizarre behavior at the start of the fight and Haney’s boxing ability. However, Garcia, in a spectacular performance, stunned the champion and the boxing world by scoring three knockouts and won a decision.
The memorable evening could now be erased because of failed inspections. Garcia’s performance means nothing if, in fact, he was on PEDs.
As Haney said, “This puts the war in a completely different light.”
The damage to Haney’s reputation and career cannot be completely undone even if the New York State Athletic Commission eventually confirms the failed tests and reinstates his perfect record, by way of declaring the fight a no contest or awarding him victory by disqualification.
We can’t erase what we saw, a talented rising star unable to cope with Garcia’s unquestionable power. We can point out that Garcia was overweight and later tested positive for PEDs, which are certainly mitigating factors. However, Haney will never be viewed in the same way.
And only God knows whether Haney suffered any lasting physical harm in the brutal war. He took some big shots from a giant puncher, which could come back to haunt him one day.
For me, it always has to do with the health of the fighters. And Garcia, if it is confirmed that he used PEDs, has proven that Haney’s health means nothing to him.
Garcia had the right to test his “B” sample if he believed it could play a role in exonerating him. And he deserves to be heard at a hearing that NYSAC will probably schedule soon.
If, again, it is determined that he had a banned substance – and potentially a second PED – in his system, then authorities in New York must issue a strong statement aimed at preventing further Other world drug fraud.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Canelo Alvarez for six months after he tested positive for Clenbuterol before his scheduled fight with opponent Gennadiy Golovkin in 2018, meaning he missed a match. I always thought that punishment was too light.
Amir Khan was suspended for two years by UK authorities after Ostarine – the drug Garcia was accused of taking – following his loss to Kell Brook in 2022, which is more relevant.
We’ll see how serious officials in New York are about cracking down on PED use if it’s confirmed that Garcia broke the rules.
