The World Boxing Council (WBC), one of boxing's four major governing bodies, has banned boxer Ryan Garcia for “discrimination,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said on Thursday at X.
“We reject any discrimination. Ryan has repeatedly refused our help with his mental health and substance misuse and we are concerned about his wellbeing,” Ms Sulaiman said.
Sulaiman did not provide further details about the incident. The Associated Press reported that Garcia “made a series of racist remarks about black people and derogatory comments about Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.”
After being banned, Garcia reportedly tweeted that he had “trolled” and said he was “sorry if it caused any offense,” but the tweet was later deleted.
Garcia's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“In my authority as WBC President, I am expelling Ryan Garcia from all activities with our organization. Our organization does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. I am concerned about Ryan's well-being as he has repeatedly refused our organization's assistance with his mental health and substance abuse issues. pic.twitter.com/pCIOH2am7B
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) July 4, 2024
Garcia said he was “officially retired” in a series of posts on X on June 19. Prior to his retirement announcement, he listed a series of challenges he had faced in recent months on X, including testing positive for the PED Ostarine prior to his upset win over WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney in April.
On June 20, the New York State Athletic Commission suspended Garcia for one year and vacated his win over Haney after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Garcia also forfeited more than $1 million in winnings to Golden Boy Promotions and was fined $10,000 by the New York State Athletic Commission.
The WBC banishment is the latest in a tumultuous year for Garcia away from the ring.
Garcia was arrested in Beverly Hills in early June on suspicion of criminal damage to property by the hotel.
Before his fight with Haney in April, Garcia claimed he had been abducted by the Illuminati, accused Logan Paul of being a devil worshipper, spoke out against Haney's father, said he was under spiritual attack, said he had evidence of the existence of aliens, called Elon Musk the Antichrist, and made several other concerning claims and allegations online and during podcast appearances.
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
