“I take all responsibility for my words,” said boxer Ryan Garcia; adding, “sorry everyone that I offended.” Garcia noted that he was, “misunderstood” and that he is “struggling” with substance abuse issues and will be going to rehab.
The remarks Garcia made on social media came just one day after the World Boxing Council expelled Garcia for his derogatory remarks against people of colour and people of the Muslim faith on social media during a livestream.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman spoke on Garcia saying, “we reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan’s well-being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse.”
Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions and Garcia’s promoter also spoke on Garcia via X saying, “there is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible. I see that he has apologized, and that is a start – but it is only a start to earn back the trust and respect of those of us who have and continue to support him. We hope Ryan will use the time he has away from the sport to work through the issues he has publicly discussed. We stand ready to help in whatever we can.”
Garcia’s expulsion is the latest in a series v of events that have sent Garcia into a negative spiral.
Before his main event fight at the Barclay’s Center against Devin Haney, Garcia tested positive for PED’s – something Garcia has vehemently denied. As a result the New York State Athletic Commission has suspended Garcia for a year and was fined $10,000. Originally named the winner of the bout, Garcia’s win has since been vacated and listed as a no contest.
Last month Garcia was arrested on felony vandalism charges for an incident at a hotel in Beverley Hills, where he allegedly caused $15,000 worth of damage.
Garcia’s family addressed the recent events saying that they, “do not align with his, or our family’s, true character or beliefs.”
They added, “our family unequivocally does not support any statements [Garcia] has made regarding race or religion — these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised. Those who know Ryan can attest to this fact. Ryan has been open about his ongoing struggle with mental health over the years and as a family we are committed to ensuring and encouraging that he receives the necessary help to navigate this very challenging time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being.”