EXCLUSIVE
WBC ‘in direct talks with boxing commission’ over Ryan Garcia’s worrying behaviour ahead of Devin Haney fight
The WBC are in 'direct talks' with the New York Commission over Ryan Garcia's worrying behaviour ahead of his upcoming clash with Devin Haney.
Concerns have been raised about Garcia's mental wellbeing after a string of bizarre social media posts and livestreams in recent weeks.
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Several members of the boxing fraternity including Duke McKenzie, a mental health ambassador and former three-weight world champion, have called for the fight to be pulled.
The New York State Athletic Commission has the jurisdiction to cancel the fight if they see fit.
While the WBC don't carry the same authority, they can refuse to sanction it and withdraw their version of the super-lightweight world title, which is on the line in the main event.
When asked whether the major sanctioning body will consider intervening, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told marvelbet369.com: "Yes, absolutely.
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"We're in direct talks with the New York Commission where the fight is to take place.
"And, you know, social media, it is so good and it is so bad at the same time.
"It's a blessing you can reach millions of people. But at the same time when something is negative, it's a forum where so many people can express their anger, their bitterness, their hatred.
"So social media, it's a matter that has to be dealt with with extreme concern and responsibility by everyone.
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"With the postings by Ryan Garcia, of course, there has come a lot of concern in a diverse array of topics.
"But I have spoken to him, he's a very nice kid. He has a full training camp going on, and I believe he will be in a position to fight but we are addressing the situation without a doubt."
Fans first began to suspect something was up with Garcia after he admitted to being high in an interview.
Shortly after, Garcia proceeded to spam his social media accounts with several worrying posts including a video claiming he was dead.
Some supporters suspected that the fight would be cancelled after Garcia's online activity but at the time of writing it is still going ahead.
Garcia has since announced that he will not be posting on social media until after his bout with Haney on April 20.
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