Suspended for a year and arrested for vandalism: Ryan Garcia’s turbulent last year and a half

After a year and a half in free fall and serving a doping suspension, Ryan Garcia is aiming for a comeback in the historic fight card taking place this Friday, May 2, on the streets of Times Square in New York City.

Following a positive test for the banned substance ostarine—and despite his appeal—the New York State Athletic Commission suspended the Mexican-American fighter for one year, reinstating him only as of April 25, 2025.

That marked the beginning of a year full of controversy for Garcia, who even raised concern within his own family due to a series of hateful and even racist comments posted on social media. As a result, he was expelled from the World Boxing Council.

“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” said Sulaiman in a statement.

His parents also stepped in, releasing a statement saying: “Our son has recently made statements that do not align with his, or our family’s, true character or beliefs. Our family unequivocally does not support any statements he has made regarding race or religion — these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised. .”

In addition, on June 9, 2024, he was arrested for vandalism after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damages. Police said Garcia complained of a medical issue and was later transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

In search of redemption

Now, Garcia is back in the ring and hopes to earn back respect—something he knows he can only achieve by showing dedication and professionalism in the sport of boxing. This Friday, he’ll face Rolly Romero in a bout set at 147 pounds.

“I want to show everyone that you can come back from anything, and I want to prove my dedication to this sport. I admit my mistakes. I don’t want anyone to think my actions—drinking and smoking before the fight—represent how a professional should behave. This is my first fight to earn back respect,” he said at the announcement of Fatal Fury, the name of the Times Square event.

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