Ryan Garcia is more than likely the most talked about boxer on the planet during 2024, regardless of the fact that he is yet to win a world title and that a undisputed heavyweight champion was crowned just last month.
However, his name continues to dominate the headlines for all the wrong reasons – a recent arrest being his latest controversy. Now, Garcia has broken his silence since his run-in with the police became public.
After questionable preparation, Garcia silenced his doubters with a career-best win against previously undefeated WBC super-lightweight champion Devin Haney back in April, although he was unable to pick up the belt after missing weight by over three pounds.
During the aftermath, a further asterisk was added to the victory after it was revealed that ‘King Ry’ had tested positive for Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and the day of the fight.
The 25-year-old has continued to plead his innocence, maintaining that he would never knowingly ingest a performance-enhancing drug and indicating that he may be the subject of a wider conspiracy, or a victim of supplement tampering from within his team.
Over the weekend, Garcia’s issues worsened as he was arrested in Beverly Hills for felony vandalism, as per ESPN.
“Boxing star Ryan Garcia was arrested Saturday for felony vandalism after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.
“The hotel decided to press charges once police arrived, though the specific nature of the damage and Garcia’s behaviour wasn’t immediately clear. After he was booked at the Beverly Hills Police Department jail, police said Garcia complained of a medical issue and was subsequently transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.”
Garcia’s attorney added that Garcia could also be charged with public intoxication but argued that his client has been open with mental health struggles and that “he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother’s health.
On social media, Garcia shared his concern at what may happen to him and appeared to confirm the truth of the police report that claimed he was being treated at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
“I’m worried 🙁 I have to be at this weird hospital, and they are trying to give me medicine and they have me on a hold for who knows how long, they will determine. Pray for me. God help me.
“Free Ryan.
“Prayer warriors, please I need prayers – a lot of prayers. Prayers can move mountains. LORD JESUS SAVE ME.
“Kinda funny [that] both [Donald] Trump and I are in jail. I don’t know if he is n jail but I know [that] he got convicted. This sucks, but I love Jesus, I will be okay.
“I feel like I’m Ryan Spears, AKA Britney Spears. This sucks 🙁 I never hurt anyone. I’ve only ever loved everyone and prayed for people and try to make a change in this cruel world. I love you Christ Jesus, Amen.”
In terms of his boxing career, Garcia will continues to wait on an official verdict, fearing that his most famous victory will be ruled as a no-contest and that he could face a lengthy ban from the sport.
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