Boxing Champ Liam Paro Blasts Rival Ryan Garcia Over Doping Scandal
Liam Paro, the rising star in the super-lightweight division, has lashed out at his fellow boxer Ryan Garcia, labeling his doping violation as “disgusting.” The Australian fighter’s comments come after Garcia was expelled from activity by the WBC following two failed drug tests.
Garcia, 25, tested positive for the banned substance ostarine around his victory over Devin Haney on April 20. As a result, the New York State Athletic Commission fined him $1.1 million, changed his win to a no-contest, and suspended him for one year from competing.
Paro’s Unforgiving Stance
Paro, 28, recently solidified his place among the world’s top junior welterweights by dethroning the feared Subriel Matias as the IBF champion in Puerto Rico. With the 140-lbs division being one of the most competitive in the sport, Paro’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has even hinted at a potential showdown with Devin Haney.
However, Paro is not willing to forgive Garcia for his doping offense, dismissing the American boxer as a “cheat.” He stated:
“There’s no room for cheaters in this sport. It’s already hard enough. I’ve got no time for it at all. If you can’t do it without cheating, don’t do it at all. You’re risking your life in there, and there’s guys cheating like that. We’re not playing tennis, you know what I mean? People can get killed. It’s disgusting. I’ve got no time for it – for cheats.”
Despite Garcia’s insistence that he did not knowingly use a banned substance, Paro remains unforgiving, emphasizing the gravity of doping in a combat sport like boxing, where the lives of fighters are at stake. As Paro prepares for the first defense of his IBF title later in 2024, he has made it clear that he has no intention of accepting Garcia as a potential future opponent.
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