In a major blow to his career, boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has been suspended for one year and fined $10,000 following his positive tests for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine. The suspension is retroactive to Garcia's April 20 victory over Devin Haney, which has now been overturned to a no-contest.

The New York State Athletic Commission reached a settlement with Garcia, who also forfeited his $1.2 million purse for the fight. While his guaranteed earnings were significantly higher, Garcia's financial losses due to the violation now total $1,821,000. Haney, on the other hand, will receive $600,000 after Garcia missed weight for the bout.

Garcia's attorney, Paul Greene, expressed disappointment with the harsh penalty, hoping for a shorter suspension. However, the commission wanted to send a strong message against PED use in the sport and avoid any favoritism towards a star boxer.

The positive tests for ostarine were initially flagged by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which Garcia and Haney voluntarily enrolled in for testing ahead of the fight. According to the commission's rules, Garcia had the "right to a fair hearing" but chose to accept the suspension instead.

Garcia, who floored Haney three times during the fight, claimed supplement contamination as the cause of the ostarine in his system. However, the commission strictly follows a "strict liability" policy, holding athletes responsible for any banned substances found in their bodies, even if unintentional.

The one-year suspension will prevent Garcia from competing until April 20, 2025. While he expressed determination to continue his boxing career, it remains to be seen if other international commissions will honor the ban.

Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator that aids in muscle growth, fat loss, and increased stamina. It has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list since 2008 and is considered an anabolic agent.

Garcia's case is not the first high-profile doping violation in boxing. Canelo Alvarez, one of the sport's top stars, was suspended for six months in 2018 for a banned substance, which drew criticism for its relatively short duration.

With this suspension, the New York State Athletic Commission hopes to deter PED use and maintain the integrity of the sport. The penalty, including the substantial financial loss, serves as a stark reminder that there are severe consequences for violating anti-doping regulations.

While Garcia's career will be on hold for the next year, it remains to be seen how he will rebound from this setback and whether he can regain the trust of fans and the boxing community.