Despite VADA’s Warning, Bradley Martyn Gives Blind Support to Ryan Garcia Amid IV Controversy

Ryan Garcia strongly maintains that he is innocent as he battles the drug test controversy. Among many, he seems to have Bradley Martin‘s support as well. So much so, when an allegation of Garcia taking help of intravenous injections (IV) to conceal his use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) came, Martin questioned its very basis. But support aside, what do the facts say? More significantly, what’s the position of VADA on the subject?

A close perusal of specified VADA handouts indicates caution. Barring a few critical circumstances, usage of IV beyond certain measurements remains banned. The new revelation regarding the nandrolone metabolite was perhaps the shot in the arm Ryan Garcia was looking for. However, skepticism around his case still abounds. A clip showing him perceivably being administered an IV is doing the rounds now. Based on the footage, talks that he took measures to conceal his use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), has been gaining some traction. First, let’s see what led Bradley Martin to join the discussion.

Ryan Garcia: help in hand, amidst fresh doubts

As it appears, the latest kickup took off when @MrMoonshine10, the content creator behind the popular YouTube channel ‘Punsh Drunk Boxing’, dropped a tweet. It read, “Ryan Garcia’s SWEET SCIENCE Defeats The Pablo Escobar Of PED’s SCIENCE.” Pretty soon, it started receiving a stream of comments. Among those, a user in particular responded back: “Defending a guy who had dope in his system who also was using IV’s?”

Their response featured a clip and a snapshot of Ryan Garcia. Notably, the video in itself is a recording of footage being shown on a television. ‘Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia’ and the fight date appear on the television screen’ top right. Likewise, one can also see the ‘DAZN’ symbol on the top left. Relaxing, Ryan Garcia appears to be chatting while a person proceeds with what looks like an IV procedure.

But that was enough for others to catch up. Tagging Devin Haney, Bill Haney, Victor Conte, and Vada Testing, this user wrote, “BREAKING! Ryan Garcia used IVs to hide his PED usage throughout his training camp vs Devin Haney! This is illegal! Using IV drips & Marijuana are not only illegal but also masking agents for Ped use!”

The user then referred to an old tweet from a UFC referee. He reportedly said, “IV’s can be used as a masking agent for PED’s! They are banned & will remain so. Also not conclusive evidence; they work any better than oral.” However, popular content creator and ‘Raw Talk’ host Bradley Martin had his doubts. Laughing, he asked, “What the fk does [mari*uana] and IVs have to do with PEDS. lol”

But while this debate continues, it should be worthwhile to check what VADA says on the matter.

VADA directive divulged

As part of its ‘WBC/VADA Clean Boxing Program Awareness and Science’ initiative‘, under the heading ‘Why Fighters Almost Never Need IV Hydration’, dated September 18, 2023, the VADA President had a reply to the following question: “Too many assume that the best way for fighters to rehydrate after a weigh-in is via intravenous (IV) hydration to recover from a weight-cut and maximize performance.”

First, check out the rule: Intravenous infusion and/or injections of more than a total of 100ml per12-hour period except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital treatment, surgical procedure or clinical diagnostic investigations are prohibited.

Why is it so? The simple answer is: “IV fluids can mask the use of prohibited substances, including blood doping.” More details are available at the link provided above.

Ryan Garcia finally had a breather. The young boxer, knee deep in what could be the worst controversy of his professional career, heaved a sigh of relief when a test returned negative for the banned substance 19-Norandrosterone. Per the initial reports, Garcia had failed to clear drug tests. Samples (A) collected before as well as on the day of the fight confirmed the presence of ‘Ostarine’ as well as 19-Norandrosterone, though unproven. The boxer subsequently placed a request to get his B sample tested.

What’s your take on the new angle to the Ryan Garcia doping issue? Please share your views with us in the comments below.