Ryan Garcia’ boxing career has taken a significant blow as the 25-year-old fighter faces expulsion from the World Boxing Council (WBC). WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced on Thursday that Garcia has been expelled from the organization after a racist rant surfaced, in which Garcia used the N-word and referenced the Ku Klux Klan.
Mauricio Sulaiman took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to make the announcement, stating, “Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan’s well-being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse.”
The decision follows Garcia’s involvement in a disturbing conversation on X Spaces where he allegedly used racial slurs and made inflammatory comments. The conversation, which included multiple participants, also touched on sensitive subjects such as the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020. Ryan Garcia later posted on X claiming he was “trolling,” though it was unclear if this was in reference to the X Spaces conversation.
In his posts, Garcia wrote, “Also I was trolling I want all the killing to stop. Humanity needs to stop killing people I love everyone sorry if I offended you.” He added, “Y’all gotta understand pain, deep pain by every race Bruh I’m hurting. Love y’all have a great day.”
This incident adds to what has already been a tumultuous year for Ryan Garcia. The boxer, who once defeated WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney at Barclays Center in April, saw that victory nullified. The fight’s outcome was changed to a no-contest after Garcia was suspended for one year by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) due to positive performance-enhancing drug tests that emerged post-bout. Additionally, Garcia was fined $10,000 by NYSAC.
Compounding his troubles, Ryan Garcia was arrested on June 8 for felony vandalism. The incident involved allegations by the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, California, that Garcia caused $15,000 in property damage. This arrest followed shortly after his suspension, further tarnishing his public image and career.
With his expulsion from the WBC, Garcia faces a critical juncture in his career. The organization’s firm stance against discrimination leaves Garcia with limited options for redemption within its ranks. This expulsion not only impacts his immediate future in professional boxing but also raises concerns about his mental health and personal conduct.
Garcia’s recent actions and the subsequent consequences highlight the importance of accountability and the need for professional athletes to maintain a standard of conduct both in and out of the ring. As fans and the boxing community await Garcia’s next moves, it remains to be seen how he will navigate this challenging period and whether he can reclaim his standing in the sport.
In the wake of these events, the boxing world watches closely, wondering if Ryan Garcia can overcome his personal and professional hurdles to make a comeback or if this marks the beginning of the end for the once-promising boxer.