Ryan Garcia has left his fans and boxing followers in general disturbed by his behaviour ahead of his upcoming super-fight with Devin Haney in New York – the latest chapter in a wild life so far
With his movie star looks, boxing brilliance and stonking wealth, Ryan Garcia seemed to have it all.
But he has been making the headlines for his concerning behaviour rather than his ring prowess over the last couple of years, especially in recent days. The 25-year-old, who is due to fight Devin Haney in New York next month, has posted – and been the subject of – some worrying content on social media.
One post even claimed Garcia was dead before the lightweight confirmed he was very much alive in a video message, although his explanation for the ‘death’ post only added to the confusion. Daily Star Sport looks at Garcia’s trouble life…
New relationship
At the end of last month, Garcia announced he was in a relationship with adult star Mikaela Testa. He took to Instagram to reveal his new partner, less than two months after he announced he was divorcing supermodel Andrea Celina on the same day as she gave birth.
Garcia had clearly moved on very quickly, judging by the loved-up snaps of the new couple he put on social media. Testa is Australia’s highest-earning OnlyFans creator (yes, she gets even more than boxing beauty Ebanie Bridges), with her content so racy, she has been banned by TikTok. She is also a budding boxer.
Garcia announced to his 10million Instagram followers: “On a semi-serious note I have a new Girlfriend. Not super serious at this time but she my boo @mikkimouse404. Ima teach her how to fight! She’s the next one up @misfitsboxing.”
‘Dead’ claims denied
A worrying upload on social media claimed that the former WBC interim lightweight champion was dead. A six-second video from inside a house with text on the screen read: “We got him boys. Ryan Garcia RIP b****. 666. Video is exactly 666 in time. We told you we were coming.”
Another message claimed Garcia’s throat had been slit. To the relief of the boxing world, Garcia subsequently confirmed he was alive in a video message obtained by TMZ.
“I’m not in possession of my phone, I can’t get access to my Instagram. My cards are locked. I’m being really taken advantage [of],” he said. “I would personally want to just send out a video to the people that love me and my fans, family that’s concerned that I’m okay. I’m not dead, I believe in Jesus, all those [rumours] are lies. I don’t know what’s going on but just know I’m okay.”
Deleted posts
A new series of troubling X (formerly Twitter) posts have since been uploaded and later deleted by Garcia, who took a year out of boxing after beating Brit Luke Campbell in 2021 to focus on his mental health.
He claimed that he was sexually abused by family members, before posting about setting up a live drug test to prove his wellbeing and making more satanic references.
He wrote: “I’ve been *grapes [raped] at 2 years old how would you act,” before adding: “By a family member. How would that feel to you how would you act. I’ve seen the worst s**t in my life. I’m tired of being quiet.”
He added: “It’s funny to people. I was raped as a two year old and I have proof and they laugh wtf is wrong with people.”
Since returning to the ring, he suffered a devastating defeat to Gervonta Davis in April 2022, which ended his unbeaten record.
Life in the fast lane
With a net worth of around £15million, Garcia has been able to fuel his love of cars. He owns a host of high-speed luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari 488 capable of more than 200mph, plus a Lamborghini Urus and a Porsche 718 Boxster.
Social media callouts
Garcia recently took aim at YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an explosive rant on social media. He blasted: “I’m tired of this!!!! Im done, I’m stopping this s**t and it’s my fault I started his boxing career. I should’ve never. BUT no REGRETS! IM GOING TO HURT THIS MAN BAD.”
Garcia himself was then called out by UFC hothead Sean Strickland, who mocked: “God I hate famous people. Bro you are f*****g RICH…. They’re kids in salt mines, kids dying of cancer begging for one more day on this earth and you’re having a mental break down on social media.. You f****** p****…’
Following a back-and-forth between the pair, Strickland then appeared to challenge Garcia to a fight, posting: “Las Vegas my man…. roll through…”
The 24-1 fighter alerted fans to a picture he had of an extra-terrestrial being, posting: “I have a real alien should I release this b**** f*** it it’s all up!”
Garcia then agreed to join controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate on an X ‘space’, where he delved into alleged human trafficking, telling Tate he was kidnapped up by “the elites” and forced to watch children being raped in woods.
He followed up the conversation by adding: “Are the people going to get behind me or let them kill me that’s the real question???? Let Ryan Die or Help me. If they kill me it wasn’t me.