Ryan Garcia Requests Analysis of “B” Samples From Drug Tests Surrounding Devin Haney Fight

Ryan Garcia has taken an honest first step in trying to clear his name.

A ring confirmed that Garcia requested that his “B” samples be analyzed from samples collected in connection with his April 20 victory over Devin Haney. Urine samples collected on April 19 and after the fight on April 20 showed evidence of the banned substance Ostarine. [Enobosarm].

The test results cast a dark cloud over Garcia's upset victory over Haney at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The fight was fought under the supervision of the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), which is currently investigating the matter.

NYSAC officials were informed of the test results, as were all parties involved in the event. Garcia was informed that he has until May 11 to file the request, which was made by his legal team. The 25-year-old California native maintains Global Sports Advocates, LLC, a law firm whose specialties include doping violations.

“Mr. Garcia is exercising his right to request the analysis of samples “B” in the two tests in question,” the company told all parties in a letter obtained by. A ring. “We plan to send an independent witness to witness the opening of the analysis of the “B” samples at the SMRTL laboratory once you have given us notice of the date/time/time the opening and analysis will take place.”

Garcia (25-1, 20 knockouts) knocked down Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) three times en route to a majority decision victory. Haney was allowed to retain his WBC 140-pound title, despite the defeat. Garcia was ineligible to win the belt after missing weight. The outspoken boxer weighed in at 143.2 kilograms during the April 19 weigh-in.

Because he was so far from the limit of separation, there was not even an option to lose more weight in the allotted time. Garcia had to pay a fine and renegotiate the fight contract in order to move on to the main event.

Those incidents—though insignificant—pale compared to the consequences Garcia could face if he can't prove his innocence.

Garcia made several claims after reports of his drug test scandal. Among them is possible pollution. His team is reviewing the list of his food and supplements that he took in preparation for the fight.

Enobosarm is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM).

Its main purpose among men is to prevent muscle loss. The substance was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2008. It is not allowed for any medical use – prescribed or otherwise.

It continues to appear in boxing circles, however.

The latest incident was in Amir Khan's test results regarding his February 2022 knockout loss to Kell Brook. The former 140-pounder was subsequently banned for two years, although he announced his retirement at the time.

Former WBC super middleweight champion Lucian Bute also tested positive for Enobosarm during his April 2016 draw with Badou Jack. This was found in a post-fight sample whose results were returned on May 27, four weeks after their title fight. Bute insisted on being heard about the dirty supplement. His B sample also came back positive, the results of which were not read until August 12, nearly four months after the war. The Washington DC commission accepted Bute's pollution alibi but issued a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine.

Lucas Browne was selected for this item during the November 2016 tryouts by the WBC Pure Boxing Program. It was his second test of the year. Browne previously tested positive for Clenbuterol, which cost him the WBA 'Regular' heavyweight title he won against Ruslan Chagaev.

Alexander Povetkin also produced two positive drug tests that year, including Ostarine from a sample in December 2016. He was cleared to fight that night, although no longer the interim WBC heavyweight title.

Povetkin previously tested positive for meldonium which cost him a May 2016 title fight against undefeated Deontay Wilder.

The results of this fight mark Garcia's first trial in eight years as a professional. His first reaction was to dismiss the findings and suspect a frame job.

“I have never taken a steroid in my life,” Garcia insisted in a video posted on his social media channels. “I don't even know where to get steroids. I don't take supplements lightly. They say it's from ashwagandha, it's fucking retarded.

“Big lie, I beat him. Get out of here.”

His title run was seen as an extension of the extreme footwork shown throughout the promotion. This latter part, in particular, did not go well with his deservedly bitter opponent.

“It's unfortunate that Ryan cheated and disrespected the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirt,” said Haney.

“Ryan owes the fans an apology, and with his latest tweet he still thinks this is a joke. We put our lives on the line to please people for a living. You don't play boxing. This puts the war in a completely different light. Despite the evil, I still fought for my shield and stood up! People die in this game. This is not a joke.”

If the “B” samples show the same results, Garcia will have to appear before the NYSAC to learn about his future. There is a possibility of a suspension, a fine and the result is changed to a No decision.

Jake Donovan is senior writer for The Ring and vice president of the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Follow @JakeNDaBox