In a shocking development, star boxer Ryan Garcia's pre-fight supplements have tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, according to reports from the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) released on Thursday. The findings emerged from doping control forms submitted before Garcia's bout against Devin Haney.

The supplements in question – NutraBio SuperCarb (raspberry-lemonade flavor) and Body Health strawberry-flavored amino-acid blend – indicated Ostarine presence ranging from 70 to 2200 picograms per gram powder. These samples were collected from Garcia on April 19 and 20, leading to adverse findings for Ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) used to build muscle mass and enhance performance. 

The other supplements Garcia listed included D3, iron, Thorne elite multivitamins, and magnesium glycinate. Prominent sports attorney Paul Greene, who has represented high-profile UFC athletes in similar cases, expressed optimism that the detection of Ostarine in these supplements could result in a reduced suspension for Garcia. 

Greene highlighted the principle of strict liability in doping cases, where the athlete is held responsible for any ingested substances. He argued that Garcia's actions were negligent rather than intentional, emphasizing an "innocent mindset" and urging for a light sanction given the circumstances.

“The World Anti-Doping [Association] code actually recognizes a declaration of a supplement in advance as proof that the athlete took it,” Greene explained, “and it allows an athlete to get a reduced sanction in most cases.” He proposed a four-month suspension as fitting.

However, Victor Conte, a sports nutritionist for Haney, raised doubts about the credibility of the test results due to the unsealed state of the supplement containers. Conte questioned the authenticity of the results, suggesting possible tampering.

Garcia, who dominated Haney in their fight with three knockdowns, denied any knowledge of Ostarine in his supplements. He expressed confusion and a commitment to resolving the issue truthfully. Garcia's victory, however, did not earn him the WBC junior welterweight title as he was 3.2 pounds overweight.

Ostarine has a controversial history in boxing, with previous cases involving fighters like Lucian Bute and Amir Khan, both of whom faced significant penalties for its use.

The New York State Athletic Commission's decision on Garcia's case remains pending, with hopes for a swift resolution.