Fans Call Out Eddie Hearn’s “Hypocrisy” to Defend Ryan Garcia’s Legacy Amid Doping Test Fiasco

A tweet from the sports reporter appears to have become a hotspot of discussion. With the Ryan Garcia doping controversy in the background, the post takes up the boxer failing to clear the tests done on his B sample a few days ago. As a result, there has been a clamor for rescinding the majority decision victory awarded to ‘KingRy’ on April 20, when he and Devin Haney clashed.

The tweet cited Eddie Hearn, whose Matchroom boxing works in association with the Haneys. Speaking with the media, the English promoter shared his thoughts on Garcia’s B sample results. It didn’t take much time before an array of opinions and viewpoints stormed in.

Inconsistent standpoints questioned

Per the sports reporter’s message, Hearn reportedly sought annulment of the majority decision result. The match should be declared a ‘no-contest’. However, the tweet seemingly opines that if that’s the stand of the Matchroom boss, then why hasn’t he sought a similar outcome for the Alycia Baumgardner issue? Reportedly, ‘The Bomb’ returned positive results for banned substances for tests conducted on the July 12 sample. Samples taken on June 16 and July 16 returned negative results.

“If @EddieHearn says the Garcia vs. Haney result should be overturned and ruled a no contest, then what about when his fighter Alycia Baumgardner tested positive in her fight against Christina Linardatou?” Read the tweet from Joe Habeeb. Terming the standpoint as hypocritical, the post sought an opinion from promoter Lou DiBella. So what precisely did Eddie Hearn say?

Speaking with Boxing Social, Matchroom Boxing’s head said, “”Now we’ve got that B sample back. At the moment, he’s guilty, and he has to prove why he’s innocent, and that will happen before the New York State Athletic Commission. You know who, who may request evidence of hair sampling when the time is right, not just me coming out going.”

Earlier, he questioned Team Garcia’s decision. They handed over his hair sample for independent testing and later claimed innocence, he said. Stating clearly that Ryan Garcia fought Devin Haney with PEDs in his body, the latter’s situation saddened him.

Eddie Hearn: Statements in contention

A few of the users harked back to the usual stance taken by promoters vis-à-vis their fighters. However, some did question the tweet’s line of question.

In Alycia Baumgardner’s case, this user mentioned coming across a piece where Eddie Hearn stated that she would have to clear her name if the tests returned a positive outcome. The undisputed super featherweight champion’s last opponent, Christina Linardatou, isn’t from Matchroom Boxing. Hence, why should he seek revocation of their match decision, the user asked. In fact, the Greek boxer and her team themselves sought relevant action.

Highlighting that Alycia Baumgardner is now working with Bill Haney, the next user pointed out that most promoters try to ensure that their boxers stay away from various issues. Trainers also follow a similar suit, they said.

Then, in this followers’ opinion, the repercussions Eddie Hearn sought should be uniform once an athlete fails to clear a doping test. They shouldn’t be allowed to participate in title fights when the ban is in force.

Calling out the reporter’s hypocrisy, this user seemingly believes that the former’s update is inaccurate. According to them, Eddie Hearn rather stated the need for Ryan Garcia to prove his innocence.

The following user also echoed similar beliefs. They disagree that there’s any hypocrisy in play; they stated that in regards to Alycia Baumgardner, the Matchroom honcho said she would have to herself. It is similar to what he mentioned in Ryan Garcia’s instance. About the April 20 match, Eddie Hearn said that ‘Devin and Bill Haney’ wanted the dight to be disqualified. However, that doesn’t mean that’s his stand as well. Lastly, his job mandates him to champion his boxer’s cause and not the opposing team’s.

Given the scale of the controversy, it is bound to attract a diverse range of opinions. However, there remains a near-universal unanimity. As one of the users pointed out, whatever steps the authorities deem suitable, they should be uniform across the board. Fans would be eagerly looking out for what the New State Athletic Commission has to say about Ryan Garcia’s case.

If his team could prove that the banned substances entered his system through contamination, then there might be some reprieve. Otherwise, the fate of his boxing license could be in jeopardy. It might undergo suspension, and the young boxer could end up paying fines. What’s your take on the tweet and the subsequent reactions? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.