The World Boxing Council (WBC) expelled Ryan Garcia on Thursday after the 25-year-old lightweight used racial slurs against Muslims and Black people in a livestream. Garcia’s parents have also spoken out, saying the racist remarks are not an indication of their son’s true character.
Earlier this week, Garcia made a series of disturbing statements on X (formerly Twitter) in which he told followers, “I am anti-black,” and “I’m the KKK.” He also made derogatory remarks about the George Floyd case, in which he twice referred to the victim using a racial epithet; and accused Muslims of sexually assaulting young children.
On Thursday evening, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman expelled Garcia from the council in a statement posted to X. “I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination,” Sulaiman said. “I fear for Ryan well being [sic] as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse.”
In short order, Garcia posted a semi-apology to his own account. "I was trolling,” he explained of his outburst. “I want all the killings to stop. I love everyone, I'm sorry if I offended you."
His parents then issued their own statement condemning the outburst. “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 (Garcia) has made regarding race or religion — these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised…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.”
Garcia’s WBC expulsion comes just one month after the New York Athletic Commission suspended the athlete after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Garcia previously held WBC’s 2021 lightweight title.
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