WBC expels Ryan Garcia after disparaging comments

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th July, 12:12 2024

Photos and boxing equipment lines the walls of the Cincinnati Golden Gloves for Youth, Monday, March 18, 2024, at Golden Gloves boxing gym in the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Golden Gloves for Youth is aiming to move from its Over-the-Rhine home at 1715 Republic St. to the former Elmwood Place Elementary School at 400 Maple St.

The World Boxing Council expelled troubled boxer Ryan Garcia from the organization after disparaging comments he made about Black people and Muslims in a social media livestream.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the action Thursday night on X, formerly Twitter.

"Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization," he wrote. "We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse."

Garcia, 25, reportedly uttered racial slurs in discussing Black people while on the livestream.

In June, he was suspended for one year by the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the PED ostarine. Garcia's decision victory over Devin Haney on April 20 in Brooklyn was declared a no contest, and Garcia was forced to forfeit his $1.1 million prize and was fined $10,000 by the commission -- the maximum allowed in New York.

Also last month, he was arrested on felony vandalism charges after being accused of damaging a Los Angeles-area hotel. The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills told police that Garcia caused an estimated $15,000 in damages, per ESPN.

As for his comments on the livestream, Garcia attempted an apology on X, since deleted.

"I was trolling I want all the killing to stop," Garcia wrote. "I love everyone sorry if I offended you."

Garcia's family issued a statement after the action taken by WBC.

"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 family's statement read, per ESPN. "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."

The California native has a 24-1 record, 20 by knockouts.

--Field Level Media

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