The WBC expelled boxing star Ryan Garcia from all organizational activities after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims during a livestream on social media.
WBC President’s Statement
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the expulsion on the social media platform X, stating, “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.”
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 well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse pic.twitter.com/pCIOH2am7B
Advertisement— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) July 4, 2024
Garcia’s Current Sanctions and Apology
The WBC has yet to clarify further sanctions on Garcia. He is already serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine. This suspension is retroactive to his April 20 decision victory over Devin Haney, which has been overturned to a no-contest.
Garcia posted a partial apology on X, stating, “I was trolling. I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone. Sorry if I offended you.”
A Tumultuous Year for Garcia
This incident adds to a tumultuous year for the 25-year-old boxer. Authorities arrested him last month on felony vandalism charges after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.
Family’s Response to Garcia’s Behavior
In a statement released after the WBC’s announcement, Garcia’s family addressed his recent troubling behavior and social media remarks, asserting that they “do not align with his, or our family’s, true character or beliefs.”
“Our family unequivocally does not support any statements Ryan has made regarding race or religion—these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised,” the statement read. “Those who know Ryan can attest to this fact. Ryan has openly struggled 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.”
‼️ Statement from Ryan Garcia’s parents after his disgraceful tweets today: “Our family unequivocally does not support any statements he has made regarding race or religion.” pic.twitter.com/0fXfX8LoZo
Advertisement— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 5, 2024
