Ryan Garcia, the once-promising boxing star, has been expelled by the World Boxing Council (WBC). The decision, announced on Thursday by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, follows Garcia’s repeated use of racial slurs against Black people and disparaging remarks about Muslims during a social media livestream.
“Exercising my authority … I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization,” Sulaiman stated on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “We reject any form of discrimination.”
Garcia attempted to address the backlash with a post on X, but his apology fell short for many. “I was trolling. I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone. Sorry if I offended you.”
This incident is the latest in a series of controversies for Garcia. Last month, the New York State Athletic Commission suspended him for a year after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs following his April 20 victory over Devin Haney. The bout has since been ruled a no-contest.
In the lead-up to the Haney fight, Garcia’s behavior raised concerns. His public appearances and social media posts became increasingly erratic, featuring conspiracy theories and what many interpreted as cries for help. Despite this, Garcia denied any issues. “Come on, guys, you really thought I was crazy?” he said after the fight.
Further complicating his public image, Garcia was arrested in June for allegedly causing $15,000 worth of damage at a Beverly Hills hotel. His attorney described the incident as part of an “extraordinarily challenging time” for Garcia, citing devastating news regarding his mother’s health.
In response to Garcia’s recent statements, his family has sought to distance themselves from his actions. “Our family unequivocally does not support any statements [Garcia] has made regarding race or religion – these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised,” the family said in a statement. “Those who know Ryan can attest to this fact. Ryan has been open about his ongoing struggle with mental health over the years, and as a family, we are committed to ensuring and encouraging that he receives the necessary help to navigate this very challenging time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being.”
Ryan Garcia’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale of how personal struggles, when unaddressed, can derail a promising career and alienate an individual from their support network. As the boxing world continues to grapple with Garcia’s actions, it remains to be seen whether he can find a path to redemption and recovery.
