Ryan Garcia, the controversial boxer, has recently been suspended for one year from the sport of boxing by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). However, his legal team is not taking this decision lying down. In a statement making the rounds on social media, Garcia’s attorneys have raised serious questions about the suspension and hinted at hidden motives.
Ryan Garcia’s Suspension and Controversy
The NYSAC’s one-year suspension is only part of Garcia’s punishment. His previous majority decision win over Devin Haney, considered one of the greatest boxing upsets in recent memory, has now been overturned and declared a no-contest. Garcia’s legal team, however, remains steadfast in their intention to fight the verdict.
The “Agendas” Allegation
In their statement, Garcia’s lawyers repeatedly use the term “agenda” to imply deliberate wrongdoing in the NYSAC’s final decision-making. They also question Devin Haney’s frequent mention of Garcia’s weight failure despite agreeing to fight him. According to the legal team, there was never any intent by Ryan Garcia to gain an advantage over Haney. They assert that Garcia’s sole advantage was being a superior fighter.
New statement from Ryan Garcia’s legal team today: “Ryan Garcia beat Devin Haney, and this result will never be erased from the public and media.” pic.twitter.com/PpXM4Xjyox
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 22, 2024
Uphill Battle Ahead
Despite their determination, Garcia’s camp faces an uphill battle. Such cases are rarely reversed, and legal recourses are limited. Ryan Garcia himself retired from boxing just 48 hours before his suspension, claiming he will remain retired until it’s lifted. Whether this is a negotiation tactic or a genuine stance remains to be seen.
In the end, the memory of how the fight played out in the public eye cannot be erased by regulatory action. Ryan Garcia’s legal team will continue to challenge the suspension, hoping to shed light on what they perceive as “multiple agendas” at play.