Ryan Garcia apologized in a series of social media posts on Friday after he used racial slurs against black people and disparaged Muslims in live comments.
The 25-year-old, who was expelled from the World Boxing Council on Thursday over his comments, also said on X that he planned to go to rehab.
“I take full responsibility for my comments,” Garcia wrote in a post. “Everyone knows it has been a difficult few months, but I am sorry.”
“I struggled with substance abuse and everything that happened was very difficult for me,” Garcia added.
His apology was undercut by his subsequent posts. His comments included: “I stand by the fact that black people can be racist” and “Everyone said the N-word behind the scenes.”
Garcia also complained about other boxers making racist comments without being disciplined by the WBC
Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be deemed a no-contest after he tested positive for doping.
In the lead-up to the Haney fight, concerns were raised about Garcia’s erratic behavior both personally and on social media, which spiraled into disturbingly vague conspiracy theories and apparent cries for help. He later denied he had any problems. “Come on, guys, do you really think I’m crazy?” Garcia said after the Haney fight.
In June, Garcia was arrested on suspicion of stealing $15,000 from a Beverly Hills hotel. “This is an extremely challenging time for Ryan as he grapples with devastating news about his mother’s health,” the boxer’s lawyer said after his arrest.
On Friday, former world champion Oscar De La Hoya, who is now Garcia’s promoter, condemned the boxer’s behavior in a statement on the X website.
“There is no place for hatred or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s comments in the strongest possible terms,” De La Hoya wrote. “I see he has apologized and that is a start – but it is just the start of earning the trust and respect of those of us who have supported and continue to support him. We hope Ryan can use his time away from the sport to address his Issues discussed openly. We are ready to help in any way we can.
