Ryan Garcia, in a statement issued by a publicist, spoke out a day after he was arrested on a charge of felony vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
After the arrest, the 25-year-old boxer was transported to a local hospital for medical care, according to a statement provided by the Beverly Hills Police Department. No information was provided about his condition.
“Ya’ll know I’ve been dealing with incredible stress, pressure and now the devastating news of my mom’s health,’’ Garcia said in the statement issued Sunday by a publicist, Sarah Fink.
Garcia’s mother, Lisa, disclosed last week she has been diagnosed with breast cancer during what has been a turbulent time for the boxer.
He is facing a possible suspension after testing positive for a banned substance the day before and the day of his April 20 fight against Devin Haney. Garcia’s legal team has blamed positive test on contaminated supplements.
During several weeks leading up to his fight against Haney, Garcia exhibited erratic behavior and then pulled off a a significant upset with a victory by majority decision
“Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health over the years and at this time he is dealing with an immense emotional burden,” Lupe Valencia, Garcia’s manager, said in a statement issued Sunday. “The support and understanding from fans and the public are crucial as he navigates these personal challenges.
“We are working diligently to provide Ryan with the resources he needs. Our team is committed to ensuring that he receives the appropriate help and care to address both his immediate and long-term well-being.”
In 2021, Garcia withdrew from a bout against Javier Fortuna and wrote on Instagram, “At this point it is important to manage my health and well being.” Later, Garcia told reporters he’d wanted to kill himself because of depression and added, “In my darkest times, not even my mother could help me.’’
In the statement issued on Garcia’s behalf earlier Sunday, the boxer said, “It’s always love. Thanks to my fans for always supporting me….Love and compassion wins. Always.”
Fink, the publicist, said she could provide no information about Garcia’s location and had no information about his condition. The Beverly Hills Fire Department, which according to a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports transported Garcia to the hospital, declined to provide the name of the hospital.
On Saturday, at about 5:15 p.m. PT, the Beverly Hills Police Department responded to a “intoxicated person” call for service, according to a statement provided by the police department. Garcia, who was a guest at the hotel, was identified as the intoxicated person, and he caused damage to a guest room and the hallway of the hotel, according to the statement.
