Ryan Garcia’s upset win over Devin Haney last month sent shockwaves through the sporting world and looked set to see the Californian’s star rise even further.
However, less than two weeks later, Garcia has been sent crashing back to earth following reports of a positive anti-doping test.
Here’s what we know:
On Wednesday evening, journalist Dan Rafael reported that the 25-year-old has returned two positive tests for the banned substance ostarine.
Rafael revealed the hard-hitting southpaw’s urine tests from before and after the fight were both positive for the substance.
Ostarine is a banned Performance Enhancing Drug, which is used by athletes to increase strength and muscle growth.
Classed as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), it binds to the body’s androgen receptors and stimulates muscle growth, making it commonly used by body-builders via dietary supplements.
While it operates in a similar fashion, SARM’s such as Ostarine are not steroids, as they target specific parts of the human body, whereas steroids affect the entire body.
The drug is not FDA approved, meaning it is unsuitable for human consumption, and its use by athletes is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
More to come.