RYAN GARCIA has revealed he is ‘in shock’ at ‘sick a**’ critics who have questioned his mental health, admitting: “I’m f***ing hurt.”
Last month, the American boxer, 22, pulled out of his July 9 title defence against Javier Fortuna to focus on his ‘health and wellbeing’.
Garcia’s decision was swiftly criticised by a number of vile trolls – with some even suggesting he’s using mental health as an excuse to get out of his fight.
But now the US ace has broken his silence with a passionate rant on Instagram, calling critics ‘sick’ for lashing out at his ‘high-level anxiety and depression’.
Sharing an image on his Instagram Story, Garcia wrote: “I’m seeing a lot of people talk about what they think is going on with me.
“I’m struggling everyday and I’m hurting emotionally so bad.
“As anyone who has experienced anxiety and depression at high levels knows, just because you smile and act as if things are okay, doesn’t mean they are.
“I’m writing this with shock and I’m hurting more.
“I won’t do anything to try to be happy.
“Bye you all, sick a** people.”
Garcia then targeted Mario Lopez who had hit out at the American on the Three Knockdown Rule Podcast.
A clearly upset Garcia continued: “@mariolopez No I’m not just having a bad day.
“No I don’t have problems with any of the people in my life.
“I don’t know why this happened to me it just did.”
Addressing other critics, Garcia claimed: “And to all the other people who say I’m using it to get out of my fight, I didn’t want to give up money for my family.
“I’M F***ING HURTING.
“And it hurts so bad bit it’s people like you who make it hard to continue.”
Garcia became WBC interim lightweight champion in January when he defeated Britain’s Luke Campbell via technical knockout.
He was due to face Fortuna this summer, but pulled out in late April with a statement on his Instagram.
Garcia wrote: “I know this news may be disappointing to some of my fans but I am announcing today that I am withdrawing from my July 9th fight.
“At this time it is important to manage my health and wellbeing.
“I have decided to take some time off to focus on becoming a stronger version of myself.
“I hope to be back soon and am looking forward to stepping back into the ring when I am my healthiest self.
“I want to thank God, my family, my doctors and my supporters.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
