The World Boxing Council expelled pro boxer Ryan Garcia on Thursday after the controversial fighter launched into a social media tirade that included racial slurs, disparaging remarks about Muslims, and insults to George Floyd.
In a live-streamed X Space that quickly went viral before being deleted, Garcia was recorded saying the N-word multiple times, calling himself “anti-Black” and saying “I’m in the KKK.” He also quipped that he wants to “bring George Floyd back to life” so he can “go kill that n****r again.”
Garcia also attacked Muslims as “f***ing motherf***ers” who “rape little kids.”
After a period of additional frenzied social media posting, Garcia posted something resembling an apology, stating: “I was trolling I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”
This apology, along with many other posts that preceded it, has since been deleted.
On Thursday morning, World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that Garcia’s comments warranted his expulsion from the organization.
“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization,” Sulaiman wrote on X. “We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan [sic] wellbeing as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse.”
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 pic.twitter.com/pCIOH2am7B
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) July 4, 2024
In a statement released after the expulsion, Garcia’s parents denounced his remarks and said they do not stand by any of his beliefs.
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.
‼️ Statement from Ryan Garcia’s parents after his disgraceful tweets today: “Our family unequivocally does not support any statements he has made regarding race or religion.” pic.twitter.com/0fXfX8LoZo
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 5, 2024
Last month, Garcia was hit with a one-year suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs just before his championship fight with Devin Haney.
Garcia’s team claims that the fighter was the victim of “substance contamination” after consuming tainted herbal supplements that did not give him a competitive edge during the fight.
