Ryan Garcia became a further pariah in the boxing world on Thursday after a series of hateful online comments that resulted in his expulsion from the World Boxing Council, one of the sport’s main sanctioning bodies.
The suspended boxer has made a string of outrageous comments in recent weeks, sparking fresh backlash after using derogatory language, saying he hates black people and even saying he wanted to kill George Floyd again while laughing with acquaintances on X-Space.
“I hate black people, I’m anti-black…Black people, I’m KKK, I hate black people…Hey, let’s bring George Floyd back to life and kill that black person again.”
His comments didn’t end there: He later denied that he had any intention of apologizing.
Just hours later, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced that Garcia was being kicked out of the organization, also saying that Garcia had turned down multiple offers from the WBC to provide him with mental health and substance abuse assistance.
“In my authority as WBC President, I am expelling Ryan Garcia from all activities with our organization. Our organization does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. I am concerned about Ryan’s well-being as he has repeatedly refused our organization’s assistance with his mental health and substance abuse issues. pic.twitter.com/pCIOH2am7B
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) July 4, 2024
Garcia’s parents later released a statement denying his comments and saying he needed help.
“Our son recently made statements that are inconsistent with his true character and beliefs, or those of our family. Our family categorically does not support the comments he made regarding race or religion. These statements do not reflect who Ryan really is or how he was raised.”
“Anyone who knows Ryan can attest to this fact. He has been open about his mental health issues for many years. Our family is committed to ensuring he receives the help he needs to get through this extremely difficult time and address his short-term and long-term health conditions, and we encourage him to do so. We appreciate your continued support, prayers and compassion.”
Garcia is currently serving a one-year suspension after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine following what was supposed to be a star fight against WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney. The bout was subsequently declared a no contest, but Garcia’s lawyers have presented evidence that the test was the result of a tampered dietary supplement.
The suspension and ban is the latest chapter in Garcia’s public decline since the start of 2024. In the space of about six months, Garcia:
Now with the banishment, it’s clear that Garcia is not in good health and it’s unclear when or even if he’ll step in the ring.
