Liam Paro dismisses ‘disgusting’ Ryan Garcia

Liam Paro has condemned the “disgusting” Ryan Garcia after his super-lightweight rival was expelled from activity by the WBC.

Garcia failed two drugs tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association around his then-victory over Devin Haney on April 20. He tested positive for ostarine the day before and the day of, as the underdog, he outpointed Haney, and was therefore fined $1.1m by the New York State Athletic Commission, saw his victory changed to a no-contest, and suspended for a year from competing.

In June, Paro, 28, established himself among the world’s leading junior welterweights when he travelled to Puerto Rico to dethrone as IBF champion the feared Subriel Matias, and he did so at not only a time when the 140lbs division is among the world’s finest, but when – according to his promoter Eddie Hearn – Devin Haney became a potential next opponent.

The 25-year-old Garcia regardless represents Paro’s highest profile and therefore most lucrative possible rival, but the Australian – expected to make the first defence of his title later in 2024 – is far from ready to forgive him, and for all of Garcia’s insistence that he didn’t knowingly used a banned substance, has dismissed him, simply, as a “cheat”.

“There’s no room for cheaters in this sport,” he told BoxingScene. “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.”