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Ryan Garcia has apologized for his use of racial slurs on a social media livestream, which led to the World Boxing Council expelling the promotion’s ex-interim lightweight title holder.
Garcia released his apology on X on Friday afternoon.
“I take all responsibility for my words. I’m misunderstood, I just got a lot of trauma. And It’s been a tough couple of months as everyone can tell but I AM SORRY. I struggle with substance abuse and it hard for me with everything going on. I actually love Black people no cap which is why I’m actually said I offended all my Black family and friends. This sucks but all I can do is be better and stop using stupid words and letting some people in my circle hype me up. Sorry everyone that I offended. I still stand on stopping Black-on-Black crime. And that I hate pedo’s so that will always remain something I stand on.”
Garcia made racist comments regarding Black and Muslim people on that livestream. In response, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman released this statement.
Mauricio Sulaiman @wbcmoro
Exercising my authority as president of the WBC , I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse <a href=”https://t.co/pCIOH2am7B”>pic.twitter.com/pCIOH2am7B</a>
Oscar De La Hoya, the president of Golden Boy Promotions and Garcia’s promoter, also issued a statement.
“There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible. I see that he has apologized, and that is a start — but it is only a start to earn back the trust and respect of those of us who have and continue to support him. We hope Ryan will use the the time he has away from the sport to work through the issues he has publicly discussed. We stand ready to help in whatever we can.”
Garcia had issued a short (and since-deleted) apology on X prior to his latest attempt (h/t the Associated Press): “I was trolling I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”
Garcia has already been suspended one year by the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug (ostarine) in pre-testing before his April 20 majority decision win over Devin Haney, which has since been ruled a no-contest. The suspension is retroactive to the fight date, so he would be eligible for reinstatement on April 20, 2025. However, Garcia also announced his retirement on June 19, which further put his boxing future in doubt.