Devin Haney breaks silence after Ryan Garcia 'tests positive for banned substance'

Devin Haney has broken his silence in a statement after it was reported that Ryan Garcia had tested positive for a banned substance.

Garcia defeated Haney via majority decision on April 20, after knocking down his opponent in rounds seven, 10 and 11.

The California-born fighter lost a $1.5 million bet with his opponent before the fight and failed to make weight, but reportedly pocketed a total amount of around $30 million. His father Bill confirmed the fight revenue would be divided 55/45 in favour of Garcia.

But a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association sent to all parties on Wednesday, and reported by ESPN, stated that Garcia had tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance ostarine on the day before and of his fight against Haney.

Garcia subsequently denied that he used a banned substance, and stated in a video posted to Twitter: "Never taken a steroid ... I don't even know where to get steroids ... I barely take supplements. Big lies. I beat his ass."

Fake news like if I was Donald trump pic.twitter.com/PVg5EW7yLd

— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 2, 2024

He later posted: "Why in the world would I volunteer for a drug test if I planned on taking drugs? Make it make sense???"

Golden Boy Promotions, who represent the 25-year-old, said: "Ryan has put out multiple statements denying knowingly using any banned substances - and we believe him."

Now, Garcia's opponent Haney has broken his silence with a statement to ESPN - and he hasn't held back.

The statement reads: "We learned about this situation not too long ago and it's unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice.

"I've always been an advocate for clean fighting and this is an example of such.

Statement from Devin Haney to ESPN following Ryan Garcia’s positive A-sample test for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine: pic.twitter.com/IiNGQQZs1v

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 2, 2024

"Ryan owes the fans an apology, and by his recent tweet he still thinks this is a joke. We put our lives on the line to entertain people for a living. You don't play boxing.

"This puts the fight in a completely different light. Despite the disadvantage, I still fought on my shield and got back up!

"People die in this sport. This is no laughing matter."