Ryan Garcia has tested positive for Ostarine, in what was reported to be across two separate recent tests; a “B-sample” is yet to be tested.
Garcia denies that he has been using the substance, but he did suggest he shouldn’t have used an ashwagandha supplement.
Michael Benson had tweeted the following on the subject:
The manufacturers of the Ashwagandha Root supplement which Ryan Garcia appeared to suggest could be responsible for his positive drugs tests have now insisted their product does not contain ostarine… pic.twitter.com/MIkgvPa4FH
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 3, 2024
Gaia herbs have stated that their product does not contain Ostarine, nor is Ostarine included in the ingredients of the supplement.
Chances are, if he has indeed knowingly taken Ostarine, that it would have been taken orally as it’s own supplement,
What is Ostarine?
Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), and is commonly known to promote muscle-growth and strength, without the side-effects associated with the use of anabolic steroids.
Ostarine has not been by approved by regulatory bodies, and may pose health-risks to the user.
It is also a synthetic substance, and can not be acquired naturally; it is produced in labs, and may be distributed as a dietary supplement or research chemical.
Based on the above, I do not think there is much to support the efficacy of this substance; but alas, I will need to research more on the matter.
It is listed as a forbidden substance both by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
How has the case developed?
Garcia has stated in a video, and I quote: “I don’t even know what Ostarine is, I barely even take supplements. If they are saying this happened before the fight, then why did they bring it up afterwards?”.
Conor McGregor had the following to say in a tweet:
🚨Conor McGregor accuses UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley of being on Ostarine, the same substance Ryan Garcia allegedly popped for🚨
Conor then challenges both Ryan and Sean to a spar, and also hypes up Devin Haney. #UFC301 #UFC303 #UFC #MMA #HaneyGarcia pic.twitter.com/SvhqGSLbRy
— NoSmokeMMA (@NoSmokeMMA) May 3, 2024
There is the potential for the result of Haney vs Garcia fight to be overturned, which would be favourable for Haney and his team.
A rematch may not be pursued; some feel that Haney should not reward a cheater, as a matter of principle, this does make sense.
fiscally, a rematch would be beneficial for both parties, and the controversy generated would likely garner further interest.
My thinking is this, they should have a rematch at welterweight (Garcia deliberately came in overweight, if both can make weight at welterweight, the fight should be more fair).
This will issue reduce issues associated with rehydration clauses, as well as fighters being drained.
Now, why is Gervonta Davis defending Garcia, does he want to live vicariously through the “victory”?
EverythingBoxing had quoted the following:
👀 Gervonta Davis reacts to Ryan Garcia’s failed VADA test for Ostarine. pic.twitter.com/pwKlTZHApr
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) May 2, 2024
Davis, had delivered a good TKO victory against Garcia last year, I do believe Garcia tested negative in all testing around that fight.
Davis however, has not yet fought Haney, perhaps he feels that there is an attempt to discredit Garcia’s win, so that he does not have to fight Haney himself.
Davis is scheduled to fight Frank Martin on the 15th June, Martin is a solid contender, but has not acquired elite status like Haney; ultimately, I expect Davis to get the victory by TKO against Martin.
I do think that Davis should fight Haney himself, and Haney will retain his undefeated status if the result is overturned.
Garcia may suffer a 2-year ban, but he will still be young enough to continue pursuing a boxing-career, if indeed he does get suspended, and the suspension gets spent.
The image in this post has been created using deepai (deepai.org)
