Boxing’s Drug Testing System Under Fire After Ryan Garcia’s Positive Test

LAS VEGAS – The recent positive test results for banned substances by boxer Ryan Garcia have sparked a heated debate within the boxing community, shedding light on the systemic weaknesses in a sport that prides itself on one person punching another in the head.

Former welterweight titleholder Paulie Malignaggi did not mince words when discussing the issue on a recent episode of ProBox TV’s “Deep Waters,” calling boxing the “dirtiest of all professional sports” due to its lax drug testing protocols. Malignaggi pointed out the lack of mandatory testing in the offseason and the limited random testing during training camps, highlighting the loopholes that allow athletes to potentially cheat.

Garcia’s positive test for ostarine and 19-norandrosterone, collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the sport. Despite Garcia’s claims of innocence and attributing the positive test to a tainted supplement, Malignaggi expressed skepticism, accusing Garcia of cheating.

The fallout from Garcia’s positive test has cast a shadow over his recent victory over Devin Haney, where he scored three knockdowns to secure an upset majority decision. The potential implications of the positive test could lead to Garcia’s win being declared a no-contest, along with possible suspensions and fines from the New York State Athletic Commission.

The controversy surrounding Garcia’s positive test has reignited discussions about the need for stricter drug testing policies in boxing to ensure a level playing field for all athletes. Former titleholder Shawn Porter emphasized the importance of accountability and urged Garcia to take responsibility for his actions.

As the boxing community grapples with the fallout from Garcia’s positive test, the focus now shifts to how the sport can prevent similar incidents in the future. With calls for promoter Oscar De La Hoya to take a more proactive role in guiding young fighters, the hope is that lessons will be learned from this incident to safeguard the integrity of boxing moving forward.