Ryan Garcia’s Struggle with Alcoholism
Ryan Garcia’s recent revelation of his battle with alcoholism has reignited controversy over his behavior during a weigh-in before his bout with Devin Haney. During the event, Garcia drew attention when he appeared to be holding a beer. Although he later insisted that the bottle contained non-alcoholic beverages, he faced scrutiny and questions surrounding his sobriety at the time.
Recent Incidents and Personal Struggles
In February 2024, the boxer found himself under the spotlight for unusual behavior and a series of incidents that sparked concern among fans and analysts alike. This followed a disappointing comeback fight against Rolly Romero after a year-long suspension due to a failed drug test. In light of these events, Garcia opened up about his personal struggles, expressing that he has been grappling with the pressures of both his mental health and his past issues with alcohol.
“Boxing isn’t meant for the faint-hearted. I’ve had to confront my alcoholism and my bipolar depression disorder directly,” Garcia shared. “I’m not afraid of judgment; I’m just focused on proving that recovery is possible. With God’s support, I can overcome my challenges.”
He emphasized the strength found in faith and personal resilience, declaring that, despite life’s hardships, one can bounce back and succeed.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While fans recognize his courage to share his journey, reactions have been mixed regarding his previous performance against Romero. Some fans maintain that his alcohol troubles cannot excuse the loss, prompting Garcia to clarify,
“I don’t seek sympathy, but my story is still unfolding.”
When posed with a question about past substance use, Garcia confirmed,
“I never got into that,”
while wishing the best for those in recovery. However, ongoing doubts linger about his condition during the Haney weigh-in. Comments from online observers questioned whether Garcia indeed showed up intoxicated, with some sarcastically suggesting that his beer might have been beneficial prior to stepping on the scale.
Reflections and the Path Forward
Despite dismissing these allegations, the boxer did acknowledge in a candid moment with hosts Ak and Barak on Ring Champs that he had been consuming alcohol regularly in the past leading up to the weigh-in. This admission may fuel ongoing speculation about his capabilities as a fighter and the effect of his past habits.
Garcia is currently looking to regain his footing in the sports arena after completing his suspension related to ostarine use during the Haney fight. As he navigates his comeback, it is hoped that he continues to receive the necessary support to rebuild his career, as many still see great promise in his talents as a professional boxer.
