The World Boxing Council expelled Ryan Garcia after he repeatedly used racist and discriminatory language against Black people and Muslims.
Ryan Garcia is all set to return to the boxing ring after a year-long suspension, with an undoubtedly explosive showdown against Rolando Romero in Times Square in New York on May 2, 2025.
While talking at his recent media workout, Ryan revealed that he looks forward to sending a message with his performance during the fight. He said,
“We’re prepared for whatever Rolando brings. We’re not expecting an easy fight. Obviously, he’s a power puncher. He’s going to come and try to knock me out. He’ll probably make the fight rough,”
Ryan Garcia
When he was told that his opponent, Oscar De La Hoya, was expecting a quick knockout victory, Garcia countered the words so as not to spell the fight’s outcome.
He mentioned focusing on being well-conditioned and having a good game plan.
Mexican American Boxer Ryan Garcia Apologized For Using Racial Slurs Against Black People
In June 2024, the WBC suspended former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia from any activity with the organization after he repeatedly used racist comments against Black people and disparaged Muslims in a live stream on social media.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty through his social media handle. He wrote,
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
Mauricio Sulaiman
However, it wasn’t immediately made clear what sanctions the WBC would take against Garcia, who was serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine.
Later, Ryan Garcia apologized in social media posts and announced that he was going to rehab. He wrote,
“I take all responsibility for my words,” “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.”
Ryan Garcia
Garcia also complained that other fighters had made racist statements without being disciplined by the WBC.
Oscar De La Hoya, who promoted Garcia, denounced Garcia’s comments in a social media post by stating,
“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 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.”
Oscar De La Hoya
It was a hectic year for Garcia as he was arrested on felony vandalism charges after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.
In a statement released after the WBC announced its penalty, Garcia’s family addressed his troubling behavior and social media remarks, stating that they “do not align with his, or our family’s, true character or beliefs.”
However, his suspension was lifted on April 20, 2025, and he is set to face American professional boxer Rolando Romero on May 2, 2025.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Although American by birth and nationality, Garcia often incorporates his Mexican heritage into his persona. He usually carries the U.S. and Mexican flags into the ring and frequently wears red, white, and blue.
- His father remains one of his trainers, and his mother works as his administrative assistant for commercial projects.
- In 2019, he starred as Sonny Mendoza in the Brat teen web series On the Ropes. In 2021, he signed a deal with sports drink Gatorade to appear in television commercials advertising the brand, thus becoming the first American boxer to appear in a Gatorade campaign.
