Eddie Hearn Reveals Why Ryan Garcia Did ‘Horrible Things’ Prior to the Haney Fight

Ryan Garcia (24-1-1, 20 KOs) just can’t seem to catch a break. It has been over four months since his infamous fight against Devin Haney (31-0-1, 15 KOs), where his victory was overturned after apparent PED usage, and he was given a 1-year suspension. This was soon followed by expulsion from the WBC after his unhinged racial remarks live-streamed on social media. As Garcia’s troubles continue to grow, Haney’s promoter and Matchroom boss, Eddie Hearn, opened up about the former WBC interim lightweight champion’s motive for PED use.

Hearn recently sat down for an exclusive conversation with boxing legend Andre Ward on the ‘All the Smoke Fight’ show. In conversation, Hearn revealed that he had 50 positive tests in his promotional career across different fights.

“I know how it goes down. This one was like (shocked expression), then you do your research of what it is and the amounts. One of the horrible things is that it was the night before the fight and the night of the fight. You know that categorically, it was in his system the night of the fight,” he said. Hearn further noted that Ostarine (the drug found in Garcia’s body) did not cycle 12 weeks prior to the fight and was in his system on fight night. He stated that was a scenario that he had witnessed multiple times in the 50 positive tests.

“I know how it goes down. This one was like (makes a shocked face), then you do your research of what it is, and the amounts. One of the horrible things is that it was the night before the fight and the night of the fight. You know that categorically, it was in his system the night of the fight,” Hearn said.

“Imagine If Ryan Garcia Was 100 Percent”

Garcia’s promoter and Golden Boy boss, Oscar De La Hoya, believes that Garcia could have beaten Haney had he given the fight his 100 percent. In fact, De La Hoya even stated that ‘KingRy’ was not performing at his best despite the PEDs.

“When we landed fight week in New York, Monday, I believe it was, the first call I received, ‘Hey, please help us. Ryan Garcia’s drunk in his room, and he’s with women.’ I was like, ‘What, is this what I have to deal with the whole week?’ Imagine if Ryan Garcia was 100 percent, what he would do to Devin Haney,” De La Hoya told Shannon Sharpe at the Club Shay Shay podcast.

However, he added that he does wish to see a rematch between the duo. This was undoubtedly a surprise, as De La Hoya had mentioned that Garcia had made Haney look like an amateur. “I don’t care if they say he was on steroids or this and that. He was 30 percent up in that ring. 30 percent. Imagine if he was 100 percent,” he said.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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