The WBC has suspended boxer Ryan Garcia from all activities for the organization after he repeatedly used racial slurs against black people and denigrated Muslims in comments broadcast live on social media.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the punishment on Thursday on the social media platform X.
“We reject any form of discrimination,” Sulaiman wrote. “I fear for Ryan’s well-being as he has rejected multiple attempts to seek our help with mental health and substance abuse.”
It was not immediately clear what sanctions the WBC would impose against Garcia, who is serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine. That suspension is retroactive to Garcia’s April 20 decision win over Devin Haney, which was overturned to a no-contest.
Garcia posted a sort of apology on X.
“I was trolling, I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone, sorry if I offended you.”
It’s been a tumultuous year for Garcia, 25, who was arrested last month on vandalism charges after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing $15,000 worth of damage.
In a statement issued after the WBC announced the punishment, Garcia’s family responded to his recent troubling behavior and comments on social media, saying they “do not reflect his true character or beliefs, or those of our family.”
“Our family unequivocally does not support any statement [Garcia] “We have not made any statements regarding race or religion — these do not reflect who Ryan truly is or 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 struggles with mental health over the years and as a family we are committed to ensuring and encouraging him to receive the support he needs to navigate this very challenging time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being.”
This report used information from The Associated Press.