The WBC has made the decision to expel boxing sensation Ryan Garcia from any involvement with the organization due to his repeated use of racial slurs against Black individuals and derogatory remarks about Muslims on social media. This announcement was made by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on X platform. Sulaiman emphasized the organization’s stance against all forms of discrimination and expressed concern for Garcia’s well-being, noting that Garcia had declined offers for assistance with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Garcia, who is currently serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission for testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine, saw his decision victory over Devin Haney on April 20 overturned to a no-contest as a result. The specific sanctions that the WBC will impose on Garcia following his expulsion remain unclear at this time.
In response to the backlash, Garcia posted an apology on social media, attributing his offensive comments to trolling and expressing a desire for an end to violence. He claimed to love everyone and apologized to anyone he may have offended.
This recent incident adds to a string of troubles for the 25-year-old boxer, who was recently arrested on felony vandalism charges after causing significant damage at a Beverly Hills hotel. In light of these events, Garcia’s family released a statement acknowledging his problematic behavior and social media remarks, emphasizing that they do not align with his true character or their family’s values. They highlighted Garcia’s ongoing battle with mental health issues and expressed their commitment to supporting him in seeking the necessary help for his well-being.
The WBC’s decision to expel Ryan Garcia underscores the organization’s zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and sets a precedent for holding athletes accountable for their actions both in and out of the ring. As the boxing world reacts to this news, it serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting respect, inclusivity, and accountability in sports and beyond.