Ryan Garcia’s antics both before and after his controversial fight against Devin Haney garnered worldwide attention.
After weeks of erratic behaviour and partying, Garcia dropped Haney three times on route to a majority decision victory – though the result was changed to a no contest after the banned substance Ostarine was found in his system.
And though in his post-fight interview he claimed his actions had all been an act, ‘King Ry’ continued to implode in the coming weeks and months and was eventually arrested.
The 26-year-old looks a different man nowadays, however, and has been reflecting on the tumultuous period.
Speaking to Ring Champs with Ak and Barak, Garcia said he was “in a different universe” and added he’s “surprised he’s still here right now.”
“I was going through divorce, and there was just a bunch of things that were going on in my life that were hard for me to cope with.
“I had my problems before the fight, then that s*** just carried on past the fight.
“Overall, I was doing stuff that was hurting my career, I was in a whole different universe. I’m surprised I’m here right now.
“I was drinking every single day – even the day of the fight. The turning point was when I realised, “damn bro – I’m f***ing my life up.
“Getting arrested was a big part of it, almost losing my kids was a huge part of it.”
Garcia is currently serving a one-year ban for the failed PED test, however he returns to the ring on May 2nd, when he will take on Rolando Romero at Times Square in New York.
His old foe Haney faces Jose Ramirez as chief support, and a rematch between the pair looks likely to take place later this year, provided both are successful in six weeks’ time.
‘The Dream’ had filed a lawsuit against Garcia for battery, fraud and breach of contract in the aftermath of their fight last April, however this is now reportedly on hold.
