WBC Reinstates Ryan Garcia
In a significant development, the World Boxing Council (WBC) has decided to reinstate Ryan Garcia, granting him the opportunity to contend for their championship title. Announcing their decision last night via social media, the WBC expressed strong support for Garcia, stating:
“We have had close ties with Ryan, his family, management, and promoter, and we are optimistic that this marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for him both personally and professionally. We warmly welcome him back and have confidence that he will serve as a role model for the new generation of boxers.”
Background on Garcia’s Suspension
Garcia faced a ban from the WBC in July of the previous year, following his use of derogatory racial slurs aimed at Black individuals and offensive remarks towards Muslims on social media. This incident was part of a troubling pattern linked to the fighter, which intensified after he endured a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission. This came after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine following his match against Devin Haney, which was initially recorded as a victory but later overturned to a no contest, leading to a challenging period for Garcia.
Concerns for Mental Health
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had previously voiced concerns about Garcia’s mental health, emphasizing:
“We reject any form of discrimination,”
and expressing worry for his welfare as he turned down multiple offers for support regarding his mental health and potential substance abuse issues.
Future Matchup Speculations
With the lift of his suspension, there is speculation that Garcia might soon step into the ring against current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Reports indicate that discussions over a potential matchup between the two fighters are in the air, although no agreement has yet been reached. Barrios recently faced a controversial majority draw against boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, while Garcia has not fought since his unexpected defeat to Rolly Romero in May.
