Ryan Garcia was expelled by the World Boxing Council on Thursday after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.
“Exercising my authority … I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization,” the WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, wrote on X. “We reject any form of discrimination.”
Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X. “I was trolling I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”
Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his 20 April victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
In the run-up to the Haney fight, concerns were raised about Garcia’s erratic behavior both in person and on social media, which descended into a disturbing blur of conspiracy theories and apparent cries for help. He later denied he was suffering from any problems. “Come on, guys, you really thought I was crazy?” Garcia said after the Haney fight.
In June, Garcia was arrested after allegedly causing $15,000 at a Beverly Hills hotel. The boxer’s attorney said after the arrest that it was “an extraordinarily challenging time for Ryan, as he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother’s health.”
On Thursday, Garcia’s family released a statement distancing themselves from his prejudiced statements.
“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 said. “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.”
