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Ryan Garcia expelled by WBC after using racist language during livestream outburst on social media
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Published 05/07/2024 at 17:29 GMT+1
Ryan Garcia has courted controversy and sparked concern for much of the year after strange behaviour before and after his fight with Devin Haney earlier this year. A recent drugs ban has now been followed by a social media livestream outburst littered with discriminatory language, which has seen the WBC governing body expel him from their organisation.
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Controversial super lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia has been expelled by the WBC after a social media livestream where he repeatedly used racist language.
The 25-year-old also littered the livestream with other discriminatory language, and it drew immediate censure from the governing body.
Garcia is a former WBC interim champion at lightweight but has since moved up to 140lbs.
His last fight saw him take on Devin Haney where he sprung a surprise victory, but saw that contest marked by drama.
In the run-up to the bout several strange outbursts in person, with Haney, as well as on social media, led to concerns for the fighter’s mental health.
In the aftermath of his victory, it was revealed that he had failed a drugs test, his win was ruled a ‘no contest’, and he had come in overweight for the 140lbs fight meaning Haney retained the belt.
Last month he was suspended from boxing for 12 months as a result of the drugs test.
Garcia has continued with his odd behaviour in public, and he crossed a line for WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with his most recent actions.
“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization,” Sulaiman wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We reject any form of discrimination.”
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In a now-deleted post, Garcia offered an explanation.
Garcia posted a form of apology to X but has since deleted the post.
“I was trolling I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”
A statement from Garcia’s family distanced themselves from the fighter’s comments and made reference to his mental health, reported ESPN.
“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,” the Garcia family statement said.
“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.”
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