Devin Haney Urges NYSAC to Reverse Decision and Declare Ryan Garcia’s Win as a DQ Loss

Devin Haney is escalating the situation as the outcome of Ryan Garcia’s “B” sample examination is awaited. The WBC 140-pound champion is asking for a disqualification ruling concerning their April 20 fight on DAZN Pay-Per-View in Brooklyn, New York. Although Garcia won by majority decision by knocking Haney down three times, he couldn’t challenge for Haney’s WBC title as he failed to make weight. The plot thickened when both fighters tested positive for Ostarine [Enobosarm]. Haney’s legal team argues that Garcia’s deliberate actions and drug use justify a disqualification rather than a regular No-Contest. According to Patrick English, Haney’s lawyer, “Ostarine is a banned performance-enhancing substance, and deliberately missing weight violates the rules. The commission can disqualify Garcia and declare Haney the winner.” This information was reported by Lance Pugmire of BoxingScene.com, and a letter presenting these arguments was sent to NYSAC officials on May 11. The letter was directed to Kim Sumbler, Matt Delaglio, Dr. Nitin Sethi, and Samantha McEachin. Despite Kim Sumbler stepping down as Executive Director, the inquiry into Garcia’s case will proceed under Matt Delaglio’s supervision. Garcia has requested the analysis of his “B” samples, and his attorney, Darrin Chavez, will attend the session on May 22. Garcia and his team uphold his innocence and suggest that the positive tests could be due to contamination. Nevertheless, Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) is leveraging NYSAC regulations to pursue a disqualification for Garcia. This ruling would reverse the fight’s outcome and erase the loss from Haney’s record. Team Haney referenced a prior case where a boxer’s positive drug test led to a disqualification win for their opponent. Haney’s legal team outlined several grounds for Garcia’s disqualification as per NYSAC rules. A final decision won’t be made until Garcia’s “B” sample results are verified by testers. NYSAC has 15 days to make a ruling after receiving the conclusive report. Garcia will have the chance to appeal the decision depending on the final result. Jake Donovan is a senior writer for The Ring and vice president of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow @JakeNDaBox.