The Ryan Garcia–Devin Haney saga is one that fans are unlikely to forget anytime soon. Every aspect of the fight—from its buildup to the match itself and the ensuing aftermath—was dramatic and polarizing. After a thrilling lead-up, compounded by reports of questionable doping test results, the fight eventually slipped out of Garcia’s hands. Many believed the matter would end there. However, months later, while whispers of his future potential fight lingered, Devin Haney made an unexpected move: filing a lawsuit against his under-suspension rival.

This decision shocked fans. Some criticized Haney for choosing legal action over resolving their differences in the ring. But in a surprising twist, reports emerged in December last year that Garcia had filed a $7.5 million countersuit against Haney. Speculation about both fighters’ comebacks is rife. A wrist injury seems to have put a pause on Garcia’s return. As the year began, Haney hinted at a March comeback. In a recent post, Garcia reignited tensions by questioning Haney’s apparent preference for VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) testing—an issue that continues to stoke debate.

Ryan Garcia Questions VADA’s Exclusivity

Garcia took to Twitter to express skepticism over why VADA remains the only organization widely endorsed for drug testing in boxing. His comments were in response to a video featuring David Benavidez, who raised similar concerns about his own experience with VADA testing. Benavidez pointed out that while he was tested by VADA, his opponent, David Morrell, was, according to him, not tested during training camp or after his previous fights.

So Ryan Garcia found it ‘strange.’ Perhaps suggesting there might be other equally capable organizations available, he wanted to know why VADA is consistently the organization pushed for testing. But it appears he had the answer. Bill Haney.

“Because you got Bill (Haney) pushing only VADA, he never says any other organizations, and it’s strange he’s pushing a certain organization,” said the former interim lightweight title holder. “Don’t you just want any kind of testing?” he asked. According to ‘KingRy,’ perhaps those promoting VADA might be ‘getting some type of cut’ from its exclusive use. If that is the case, then it “seems unethical,” he pointed out.

To put it in a nutshell, Ryan Garcia basically suggests that the priority should be having drug testing in general, regardless of the organization, rather than focusing solely on VADA.

The flip side of the debate

Despite Garcia’s critique of VADA, detractors have raised questions about his own actions. In October, Bill Haney issued Garcia a 48-hour deadline to secure a rematch with Devin Haney. Although Garcia gave a cheeky response, figures like Victor Conte later raised several questions.

The issue of anti-doping remains a contentious one in boxing, with varying views on which organization is best equipped to uphold integrity in the sport. For fans eagerly awaiting a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, this debate only prolongs the wait. Whether the two sides can find common ground and step back into the ring remains to be seen.

What about you? Do you agree with Ryan Garcia that anti-doping efforts shouldn’t be limited to VADA? Or do you believe VADA’s standards make it the best choice for boxing?