“It Was Going to Be Two Years”: Teofimo Lopez Remains Brutally Honest About Ryan Garcia’s Suspension

After testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug named Ostarine, Ryan Garcia strongly maintained the stance that he never cheated and was in the dark about Ostarine. However, after a thorough investigation of Garcia’s case, to Devin Haney‘s joy, the initial decision of Haney vs. Garcia was overturned and the New York State Athletic Commission imposed a one-year ban on ‘KingRy’. And now, Teofimo Lopez, who showed interest in a fight against Garcia, feels Ryan Garcia is lucky to have been banned for only a year.

While the decision by the NYSAC protects the integrity of the sport, Team Garcia publicly stated that ‘KingRy’ never “intentionally” consumed any banned substance. Meanwhile, in an indirect response to Garcia’s claim, VADA on a social-media post cautioned athletes about dietary supplements containing banned substances accountable for unintentional consumption of PEDs. In his reaction, Teofimo Lopez echoed VADA besides lauding Garcia’s legal team.

“You got to stay clean in this sport. A year suspension, it was going to be two years. Obviously, his team and his lawyer team definitely found a way to decrease the suspension,” said Lopez in a relaxed manner. Meanwhile, after the imposition of the ban, Ryan Garcia retired for a year to hand NYSAC the “satisfaction” they needed. However, while Ryan may retire to sap the appearance of the ban imposed, Lopez feels the time is sufficient for Garcia to meditate. But, on what?

“It gives him a whole year to really decide what is best for him and how clean he should come back to the sport,” Teofimo Lopez added thoughtfully. At this, the journalist asked Lopez whether or not he had a fair punishment in mind for Ryan. In his response, Lopez placed NYSAC’s decision above his individual opinion.

In this context, it is worth mentioning that Lopez was ready to fight Garcia near the end of this year.

Teofimo Lopez wanted to fight Ryan Garcia at catchweight

As much as Teofimo Lopez now disapproves of Ryan Garcia’s testing positive for a banned substance, ‘The Takeover’ sang Garcia’s praises when ‘KingRy’ overwhelmed Devin Haney. “He played it smart, he did what he did. Congratulations to him. I’m actually happy things turned out the way it did,” Lopez had said. And although in November last year, Lopez turned down $1.5 Million to face Ryan in the ring, he regained his interest in ‘KingRy’.

“We even said hey to Ryan and his team to do something in September or December. It doesn’t necessarily have to be at my weight class, it could be a catchweight so we don’t have to have any problems moving forward,” Lopez had added.

With that said, what do you think of Lopez’s reaction to Garcia’s suspension? Do you think Garcia would mediate on his career as Lopez expects him to? Let us know in the comments below. For more boxing updates, follow EssentiallySports!