Ryan Garcia’s family has spoken out about his rant that earned him punishment from the World Boxing Council.
The controversial star boxer was banned by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman earlier this week after launching a racist tirade on X-Space.
Garcia’s rant also included the use of the N-word and references to the Ku Klux Klan.
Now, his The family spoke out They disagreed with his comments and said they did not reflect his “true character.”
“Our family would like to address recent comments made by our son Ryan that are inconsistent with the true character and beliefs of himself and our family,” Garcia’s family said in a statement condemning his son’s comments. “Our family unequivocally does not support any of the comments he made regarding race or religion, which do not reflect who Ryan really was or how he was raised. Those who knew Ryan can attest to the fact that he had a deep respect and love for people of all races and religions.”
“Ryan has been open about his mental health issues for many years, and our family remains committed to encouraging and ensuring he receives the help he needs to get through this extremely difficult time and address his short- and long-term health conditions. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support, prayers and compassion extended to our family during this difficult time.”
Garcia apologized Friday and said he would go to rehab.
“I have supported many Black men and the Black community. I am not offended by the anger and I sincerely apologize if I have hurt or offended anyone. However, my pain deserves to be felt. Black and brown people have always stood together and always will.”
In expelling Garcia from the WBC, Sulaiman said he was “concerned about Ryan’s well-being as he has repeatedly refused our assistance with his mental health and substance abuse issues.”
Super welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. (21-0, 21 knockouts), who has sparred with Garcia twice on the amateur boxing circuit, claims this is not who the 25-year-old Garcia really is.
“I’ve known Ryan since our amateur days, though we only fought twice (laughs). He wasn’t like this.” Ortiz wrote to X. on Friday. “I make no excuses for him or his actions whatsoever. I am truly concerned about him, just as a friend would be concerned about a friend.”
He added that he was “concerned” about Garcia.
This came after Garcia challenged Ortiz to a sparring match on Thursday and the two exchanged blows at the X.
In response, Ortiz told him to “pull up.”
Garcia, whose April 20 win over Devin Haney was overturned after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and was suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission, now has a record of 24-1 with 21 knockouts and one no-win.
