On Thursday, the World Boxing Council (WBC) announced the expulsion of Ryan Garcia from all WBC activities following his use of racial slurs against Black people and disparaging comments about Muslims, which were livestreamed on social media.
The decision came from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who stated, “Exercising my authority … I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination.”
Garcia responded to the expulsion with an apology on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I was trolling I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”
This incident follows a series of troubling behaviors from Garcia. In April, Garcia fought Devin Haney at the Barclays Center, where he scored a knockdown. However, his victory was later overshadowed by a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, leading the New York State Athletic Commission to suspend him for a year and rule the fight as a no-contest.
Garcia’s behavior leading up to the Haney fight raised concerns among fans and officials. His erratic conduct, both in person and online, included sharing conspiracy theories and apparent cries for help. Despite these actions, Garcia denied having any mental health issues, stating, “Come on, guys, you really thought I was crazy?” after the fight.
In June, Garcia was arrested for allegedly causing $15,000 worth of damage at a Beverly Hills hotel. His attorney described this period as “an extraordinarily challenging time for Ryan, as he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother’s health.”
Following his recent controversial statements, Garcia’s family released a statement distancing themselves from his remarks. They emphasized that his comments do not reflect his true character or upbringing. “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’s statement read. They also highlighted Garcia’s ongoing struggle with mental health and their commitment to ensuring he receives the necessary help to address his immediate and long-term well-being.
The WBC’s decision to expel Garcia underscores their zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination. This move aims to send a strong message to the boxing community about the importance of maintaining respect and integrity both inside and outside the ring.
Garcia’s future in boxing remains uncertain as he faces both personal and professional challenges. The combination of his recent suspension, expulsion from the WBC, and legal issues has cast a shadow over his career. Moving forward, it will be crucial for Garcia to seek the support he needs to address his mental health and rebuild his reputation.
In summary, Ryan Garcia’s expulsion from the WBC highlights the serious consequences of discriminatory behavior in sports. The boxing community, fans, and his family hope that he will take this opportunity to reflect, seek help, and make amends for his actions.
