The WBC has banned boxing star Ryan Garcia from any activity with the organization after he repeatedly used racial slurs against black people and disparaged Muslims in comments broadcast live on social media.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the sanction on Thursday on social media platform X.
“We reject any form of discrimination,” Sulaiman wrote. “I fear for Ryan’s well-being as he has refused multiple attempts to get help from us for mental health and substance abuse issues.”
It was not immediately clear what sanctions the WBC would take against Garcia, who is serving a one-year suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance ostarine. That suspension is retroactive to Garcia’s April 20 decision win over Devin Haney, which was overturned to a no-contest.
Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X.
“I was trolling. I want all the killings to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love you all, I’m sorry if I offended you.”
It’s been a tumultuous year for Garcia, 25, who was arrested on vandalism charges last month after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.
In a statement released after the WBC announced his sanction, Garcia’s family addressed his recent troubling behavior as well as his comments on social media, stating that they “do not align with his true character or beliefs, nor those of our family.”
“Our family does not unequivocally endorse any of the statements (Garcia) has made regarding race or religion; these do not reflect who Ryan truly is or how he was raised,” the family’s statement read. “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 help necessary to navigate this very difficult time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.