Ryan Garcia believes he has identified the source of his recent positive drug tests, but it remains uncertain if the presiding commission will accept his explanation.
During his previous training camp, Garcia used two supplements—Body Health Perfect Amino and NutraBIO Super Carb—which have now been tested and found to contain trace amounts of Ostarine (Enobosarm). Lab reports from Sports Medicine Research & Testing (SMRTL), a WADA-accredited lab, confirmed these findings. The results were reported to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which oversaw the testing surrounding Garcia’s April 20 win over Devin Haney in Brooklyn, New York. Ostarine was detected in Garcia’s samples collected on April 19 and April 20, both before and after the fight. Garcia has consistently claimed contamination, and now has lab results to support this assertion.
"The test results from two supplements declared by Ryan Garcia on VADA Doping Control Forms, signed on April 19th and 20th, confirmed Ostarine contamination," stated Darin Chavez, head of Garcia’s legal team. "This supports our position that Ryan was a victim of supplement contamination and never intentionally used any banned substances."
Both SMRTL lab reports indicated that the supplement containers were received opened but sealed with tape for shipping. The supplements used during Garcia’s training camp were tested, though no other samples from the same lot numbers were tested.
Despite the provided lot numbers, only Garcia’s containers were tested, marking a step forward in providing physical evidence. Garcia’s team previously claimed a hair follicle test that allegedly returned negative, but this was only supported by a statement from Garcia’s legal team without accompanying documentation.
"Ryan Garcia is committed to clean competition and has never intentionally used any banned substances," read a statement from Garcia’s team. "Soon after learning of his positive test, Ryan voluntarily submitted his hair for testing to Dr. Pascal Kintz, an expert in toxicology and hair-sample analysis. The hair sample returned negative, consistent with contamination and proving Ryan had not ingested Ostarine over time."
Garcia’s team emphasized his clean testing history, highlighting multiple negative tests throughout his career and leading up to the Haney fight. They argue that the minuscule levels of Ostarine found (in the billionth of a gram range) indicate contamination rather than intentional use.
However, Haney and his legal team have contested these claims, particularly questioning the assertion of “ultra-low” levels of Ostarine.
The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), which supervised the bout, is investigating the matter and must make a ruling based on the test results. NYSAC and VADA rules enforce strict liability, meaning proof of contamination alone might not exempt Garcia from disciplinary action.
The April 20 fight result might be amended to a No-Contest. Haney’s team is pushing for Garcia to be disqualified, which would restore Haney’s previously undefeated record. This would be unprecedented under NYSAC rules given the external test results.
In the fight, Garcia knocked Haney down three times, leading to a majority decision victory. Despite the defeat, Haney retained his WBC 140-pound title because Garcia, who weighed in at a career-high 143.2 pounds, was ineligible to win the belt after missing weight. Garcia was fined and the fight contract was revised to proceed with the main event.