The news had been in the air for days, though there was still uncertainty about the number of years of disqualification that would be imposed on American Ryan Garcia due to his failed doping tests in connection with the shocking fight held last April 20 against fellow countryman Devin Haney. Garcia, who had surprisingly won by unanimous decision after scoring three knockdowns, had not been declared the new world champion as he had weighed in three pounds over the limit but had nonetheless received widespread praise from pundits for his performance. Praise largely retracted after the news of his positive test for ostarine became public, casting doubt on the legitimacy of that triumph.
A triumph that, as of today, no longer exists: the New York State Athletic Commission has officially changed the result of the fight to a no-contest, thus restoring Devin Haney’s undefeated status. In addition, Garcia has been suspended for one year, fined $10,000 (the maximum penalty by the Commission), and ordered to return $1.1 million of his purse to Golden Boy Promotion. Garcia, who continues to profess his innocence, will also be subject to a random anti-doping testing program during his suspension year.