The possibility of a Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia rematch continues to draw intense attention, but drug testing protocols has become a key issue is causing friction between the two fighters. Garcia recently stirred up controversy when he openly criticized Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), the organization that Haney‘s camp insists on for drug testing in their potential rematch.
During an appearance at the Ring Magazine Awards, Garcia dismissed VADA’s role in the testing process, questioning why he should be bound to using the organization.
“We won’t be using VADA, we’ll be using the people I want to use because for some strange reason Bill Haney keeps saying ‘VADA, VADA, VADA, VADA’ – it’s kind of strange to me,” Garcia said. “Why can’t I use USADA or any other organization? Seems a little fishy to me that they love VADA and VADA loves them. It’s just weird. Nobody’s asking those questions, I wonder why… I’m a little salty about it and I’ll never use VADA again because to me that’s fishy.”
Garcia’s hesitation stems from his own experience with VADA. The boxer pointed to a controversial positive test for the banned substance Ostarine after their April 2024 fight, which he claims was the result of tainted supplements.
This episode has left him with lingering distrust of VADA’s integrity, and as a result, he’s been firm in his decision to avoid using the agency for future tests.
The standoff over drug testing protocols
The impasse over drug testing has cast doubt over the possibility of a rematch between Garcia and Haney, which is expected to be one of the most lucrative fights in boxing.
Garcia‘s camp has been particularly resistant to the Haney team’s insistence on year-round, random drug testing via VADA, viewing it as excessive and biased. Haney’s camp has reportedly demanded this level of scrutiny, hoping to ensure fairness and transparency.
While the testing dispute threatens to derail the rematch, it has heightened tensions between the two fighters, with each side making clear that their demands will not easily be compromised.
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