Ryan Garcia has spoken overtly in regards to the struggles he’s confronted with psychological well being however his downward spiral earlier than and after his combat in opposition to Devin Haney almost resulted in catastrophe.
The now 26-year-old fighter placed on arguably essentially the most dazzling efficiency of his profession when he scored a number of knockdowns on Haney earlier than incomes a majority resolution on the scorecards. Sadly, that win was taken away after Garcia examined constructive for the banned substance Ostarine and the consequence was modified to a no-contest earlier than he was finally handed a one-year suspension from the game.
Even earlier than all that occurred, Garcia was abusing alcohol repeatedly however then the aftermath of that combat put him on a path of self-destruction.
“I used to be going by means of a divorce, I used to be going by means of a bunch of issues that have been occurring in my life that it was laborious for me to deal with,” Garcia instructed Ring Champs. “I f*cked up in that regard.
“I had my issues earlier than the combat after which that shit simply carried on previous the combat. To the purpose the place I ended up getting arrested on the Waldorf, simply doing numerous shit that wasn’t good.”
Again in June 2024, Garcia was arrested and initially charged with misdemeanor vandalism after he smashed up a lodge room on the Waldorf-Astoria Lodge in Beverly Hills. The fees have been finally dismissed after he agreed to pay round $15,000 in restitution for the injury accomplished to the lodge.
Garcia admits that was considered one of his darkest days after he was already drowning in a sea of alcohol abuse, which plagued him earlier than and after his combat in opposition to Haney.
“I used to be in a complete completely different universe to be sincere,” Garcia stated. “I’m shocked I’m right here proper now. I used to be ingesting on a regular basis. Each single day. Even the day of the combat. Day of the combat, I simply acquired so concerned in simply attempting to deal with no matter was occurring inside. Like I stated, I’ve been struggling mentally for years and it simply wouldn’t cease for me.
“I made a decision to take a bunch of shrooms, one thing I used to be doing already, however this time I took too many. I form of simply misplaced it. I can’t actually say the rest. I ended up breaking every part within the [hotel] room. I actually don’t keep in mind. I used to be drunk and f*cked up.”
The arrest was one of many catalysts that pressured Garcia to comprehend he wanted assist to make some large modifications in his life or he would possibly quickly change into a cautionary story about fame and fortune gone horribly fallacious.
“I used to be doing every part: playing, ingesting, ladies, something I needed to do,” Garcia stated. “Simply destroying my soul. Destroying my spirit. It actually took a toll on me.
“Turning level was realizing like rattling, I’m f*cking my life up. Getting arrested was a giant a part of it. Nearly dropping my children was an enormous a part of it.”
Garcia says his dad and mom desperately tried to get him to hunt assist for his rising checklist of issues, however he largely ignored their pleas.
“They needed me to get assist,” Garcia revealed. “They have been attempting to get assist for me as greatest as they will however while you’re in that state, you ain’t listening.
“When you could have every part you need at your disposal, it’s not for everyone. I’ve an addictive character so once I acquired going, I acquired going. Simply took it to a complete different place.”
Fortunately, Garcia was capable of lastly flip issues round after hitting all-time low however he is aware of it’s an on a regular basis wrestle to remain on the straight and slim.
Whereas he admits that he might have surrounded himself with a few of the fallacious individuals, Garcia doesn’t need to push off his errors on anyone else.
In reality, Garcia is adamant that the entire duty falls again on his shoulders and he’s persevering with to take possession of his actions exterior the ring.
“I personally don’t wish to blame no one, that’s simply me,” Garcia stated. “I take duty. The blame is unquestionably on me.”
