Ryan Garcia was expelled by the World Boxing Council after he repeatedly used racial slurs against African-American people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty against Garcia on the social media platform X, aired fears for Garcia’s wellbeing regarding his mental health and potential “substance abuse” issues.
“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organisation,” Sulaiman posted. “We reject any form of discrimination.”
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Garcia’s rant reportedly included racial slurs toward African-American people and references to deceased police brutality victim George Floyd.
Garcia said: “I hate n——, I’m anti-black, I’m the KKK. Hey, let’s go bring George Floyd back to life and go kill that n—- again.”
Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X.
“I was trolling I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”
An attorney representing Garcia did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.
Garcia’s family released a statement distancing themselves from his statements.
“Our family unequivocally does not support any statements [Garcia] has made regarding race or religion – these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised,” the family’s statement said.
“Those who know Ryan can attest to this fact. Ryan has been open about his ongoing struggle with mental health over the years and as a family we are committed to ensuring and encouraging that he receives the necessary help to navigate this very challenging time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being.”
Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Garcia faces an uncertain future in the sport. Getty
In the run-up to the Devin Haney fight, Garcia’s erratic behaviour both in person and on social media concerned observers.
He later denied he was suffering from any problems. “Come on, guys, you really thought I was crazy?” he said after winning the Haney fight.
In June, Garcia was arrested after allegedly causing more than $22,000 of damage at a Beverly Hills hotel.
The boxer’s attorney said after the arrest that it was “an extraordinarily challenging time for Ryan, as he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother’s health.”