Ryan Garcia expelled by WBC over racial slurs on social media as parents release emotional statement

07/05/2024 04:06 AM

The World Boxing Council has expelled Ryan Garcia over his racial and Islamophobic comments on social media.

The 25-year-old is already serving a one-year ban from boxing having tested positive for ostarine in two VADA drug tests.

His bizarre antics in the build-up to his fight with Devin Haney in April – and in the aftermath of his overturned victory – have concerned fans.

Garcia’s drinking saw his father Henry make an emotional plea for him to seek therapy earlier this week.

And his family have now condemned his disparaging views where he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and Muslims during a livestream on social media.

‘The Flash’ insisted he was ‘trolling’ and apologised for any offence caused in a tweet which has since been deleted.

But WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has made the decision to expel him from the sanctioning body, as he too expressed his worry over the troubled fighter.

Taking to X, he posted: “Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organisation.

“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."

And Garcia’s family have been quick to distance themselves from the boxer’s comments in a statement, as they insisted he was not raised to air those views.

It read: “Our son has recently made statements that do not align with his, or our family's, true character or beliefs.

“Our family unequivocally does not support any statements he has made regarding race or religion these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised.

“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.

“We appreciate the continued support, prayers and compassion."