Mental Health and illness

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child

      by

      CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from his demons.The father-of-two forward, whose Newcastle contract expires next month, bravely spoke out during Mental Health Awareness week and hopes his story will inspire others to ask for help.Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12Wilson has represented England at senior levelCredit: GettyHis Newcastle contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyEngland international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings.The Leeds transfer target spent time in foster care and had to regularly use food banks while also staying in safe houses after witnessing domestic violence at home.He told Jake Humphrey on the High Performance podcast: “I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 – it was like suicidal moments.”When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like ‘take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer’.”read more in football He admitted: “I’ve walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. “I’ve tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight.“Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.”Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: “It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Most read in Football”We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil.“I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.”Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdDespite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Wilson admitted that he had started to become more aggressive over recent years and he started to gamble.Though he hailed a Newcastle physio for spotting he needed help and making him take it – which felt “like a weight was lifted” after the very first session.He added: “Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I’ve been through in life, she was like ‘Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?’“I speak to my wife about it, but I didn’t want to blur the lines with our relationship. “She’s not my therapist, she’s my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn’t want to burden her with problems. “You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards.“It’s an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I’m probably learning a lot about myself now – little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I’m really happy.”YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support:CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.ukMind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123Movember, www.uk.movember.comMeanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James’ pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification.Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay.Howe said: “Let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.“What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. “Someone who epitomises the spirit that’s got us to where we are really professional. Brave.“To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club’s history. Read More on The Sun”It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably.“He brings a positivity to the group. He’s a leader within the change room. He’s just been incredible and let’s wait and see what happens.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs

      by

      THE first edition of the Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026.The controversial sporting event – which is backed by businessman Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President – will encourage its athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs to break existing world records on the track, in the pool and in the gym.Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claims to have broken the 50m freestyle world recordCredit: X @enhanced_gamesGkolomeev was awarded $1million after taking performance enhancing drugsCredit: X @enhanced_gamesIt will be held annually and will initially consist of three sports – short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.Competitors will be permitted to use substances that are banned from elite sport – and there are significant cash bonuses available for those who produce “truly superhuman performance”.Organisers say the Enhanced Games will “move humanity forward” and “to redefine what mankind can be with audacity” – and to create “the next era of human potential”.They claim that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who was fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, swam 20.89 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle time trial in the US in February.READ MORE ON SPORTThis is 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009.Separately, the Bulgarian-born star swam 21.03 seconds “in jammers”, which was 0.01 seconds faster than American Caeleb Dressel’s 2019 mark.For “breaking two world records” and becoming the “fastest swimmer in history” he has received a £1million bonus but World Aquatics, the sport’s governing body, will not recognise his achievements.Their big goal is to find someone who can run faster than Jamaican sprinting sensation Usain Bolt, whose 100 metres world record time of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, stands as the benchmark of athletic endeavour.Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, then the individual runner will earn $1million.At a glitzy launch in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, president of the Enhanced Games Dr Aron D’Souza – an Australian entrepreneur and lawyer – said: “The world is hungry for something new.Fury after three-time Olympic swimming medallist is offered $1m to break records while ‘juiced to the gills’“A new vision of sport, of science and of human potential.“We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential.“The idea came to life in 2022 during a moment of reflection where I found myself asking: ‘Why are athletes still bound by outdated rules that ignore everything we know about science?’“I imagined a new kind of competition where science, sport and society could evolve together. Where we stop apologising for progress, and start to embrace it.“A platform that celebrates human innovation, rewards excellence and explores enhancements openly, responsibly and ethically.“Make no mistake, in 50 years we’ll look back and realise that biology was never the ceiling.This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.Maximilian Martin, Deputy president of the Enhanced Games“We will be faster, stronger, younger for longer and wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science. The old rules didn’t just hold back athletes – they held back humanity.“We are the vanguard of super-humanity. This is disruption by design.”D’Souza says there will be a “performance enhancement protocol” where all athletes are enhanced “ethnically, safefully and above all, with great safety and effectiveness”.Two commissions – “one medical, one scientific” – will be established to assist coaches and athletes, whilst also developing and marketing “new drug compounds” for the American public to purchase.Las Vegas will stage the first Games on the Memorial Weekend of May 24-26, 2026 at Resorts World.Maximilian Martin, deputy president of the Enhanced Games, expects about 100 athletes to join next year, including finalists at the Paris Games and world-record holders.He said: “Our medical framework is built to the highest standards in sport.“The main difference to traditional testing is that we don’t make a decision for athletes which substances they can or cannot take – as long as it is inherent with the law.“We care about athletes’ safety and health while being at the peak level of athletic performance. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.”The idea behind the Enhanced Games has received widespread criticism for potentially endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play.Anyone that signs up for the unprecedented concept will find that they cannot compete at the LA 2028 Olympics for their country or at the world championships in their respective sports.Speaking in Glasgow in February 2024, World Athletics chief Seb Coe – a two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion – said: “Well, it’s b******s isn’t it? I can’t really get excited about it.Read More on The Sun“There’s only one message, and that is if anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they’ll get banned for a long time.“But I really don’t get sleepless nights about it. It’s not going to be a page turner.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Boy, 15, collapsed and died during football game at school just days after doctors wrongly diagnosed him with asthma

      by

      A TEENAGE boy who collapsed and died during a football game at school was wrongly diagnosed with asthma just days before, an inquest heard.Jake Lawler, 15, passed away after collapsing at Ashton on Mersey School in Sale, Trafford, on November 5 last year.Jake Lawler was misdiagnosed with asthma a month before his deathCredit: c-r-y.orgThe 15-year-old collapsed and died during a football gameCredit: FacebookThe court heard a month before his death he attended Wythenshawe Hospital complaining of shortness of breath while playing football.The inquest was told Jake, from Sale, had collapsed on the pitch on October 13, 2024.Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South, has now written in a Prevention of Future Death report.She warned how medical professionals incorrectly diagnosed the teenager with exercise induced asthma.According to the report, an “abnormal ECG” and an “exercise induced syncope episode”, were not recognised or followed up on.Medical history provided by Jake’s father was also “not assessed correctly”.The coroner concluded the abnormal ECG in combination with the teen’s collapse “should have resulted in him being referred for an inpatient paediatric review and further testing”.And, when Jake was discharged, his ECG results were wrongly recorded as coming back “normal”.Most read in FootballJake’s GP prescribed him medication for the misdiagnosed asthma, but it did not seem to have any effect on the youngster.A test for asthma was also conducted five days after Jake collapsed.But the nurse referred him back to a doctor as they did not think he suffered from the condition.The 15-year-old tragically died from a biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy just a month later. The coroner wrote in her report: “It is probable that he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken. “Jake’s collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma.”In her report, four areas of concern were highlighted to help prevent future deaths.She stated Jake’s ECG results were “key warning signs” that shouldn’t have been missed, whether due to training or insufficient medical equipment. Another “red flag event” laid out was “no clear national guidance” on the route to take after a paediatric exercise induced syncope.The third point spotlighted covered asthma treatment prescribed by the GP, which failed to elevate Jake’s symptoms, and the asthma assessment. “Jake was assessed by his GP practice using the national asthma scoring system,” wrote the coroner.”However, the scoring system does not appear to facilitate scoring for exercise induced asthma. “In Jake’s case the readings and answers pointed to a well-controlled asthma. “This was at variance with the fact that his history indicated that he was continuing to struggle with his breathing when exercising and meant he did not trigger as a concern. “This was exacerbated by the normal peak flow readings taken at rest which gave a falsely reassuring picture.”The coroner added there was a “lack of curiosity” and a “lack of appreciation” regarding how limiting the assessment was.”In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action,” she continued.Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and GP Surgery have until July 4 later this year to respond to the report.Jake’s school said at the time of his tragic death: “Our school community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances.”As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.Read More on The Sun”We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake’s memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause – CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).”The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology.”What is biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathyACM is a condition where the cells in your heart muscle don’t stick together properly. The walls of your heart can become weak and blood may not be pumped as well as it should.Your heart has four chambers. The top two are called the atria and the bottom two are called the ventricles. ACM can affect one or both of your ventricle chambers. Jake suffered from biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, meaning it affected both.ACM is usually a genetic condition which means if one of your parents have it, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that could cause ACM.ACM symptoms palpitations (a pounding or fluttering feeling in your chest or neck)feeling lightheadedfaintingfeeling breathless or shortness of breathabnormal heart rhythms (when your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly)swollen ankles, legs or tummy areafeeling pain or discomfort in your chest.How is ACM diagnosed? Chest x-ray Cardiac MRI scanECG (electrocardiogram)Exercise testEchocardiogram How is ACM treated? MedicationPacemakerICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) Cardioversion Catheter ablation More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua sends emotional message to Dave Allen after boxer’s heroic battle with suicide and gambling demons

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA hailed Dave Allen’s emotional journey from suicidal gambling addict to heavyweight boxing hero. Allen has been open and honest about suffering from depression after blowing hundreds of thousands through betting.Dave Allen celebrates knocking out Johnny FisherCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua hailed Allen onlineCredit: GettyBut the father-of-two has turned his life and career around with the help of his family while always remaining a favourite among British fans.And Allen scored the biggest and perhaps most brutal win of his career after knocking out Johnny Fisher in round five of their rematch.The win was widely celebrated by supporters who have lived every inch of Allen’s rollercoaster career – with AJ just one of his admirers. Joshua, 35, posted: “Dave was suicidal, a gambling addict who everyone thought was finished a few years ago. READ MORE IN BOXING”Now he’s got a family, a few hundred thousand to his name and got his biggest win.” Allen, 33, left Saudi Arabia in December with a controversial split-decision loss to Fisher, 26, despite scoring a fifth-round knockdown. But he took it out of the judges hands at the Copper Box re-run after flooring Fisher – again in round five – with a clubbing right hand. And with just seconds remaining in the round, Allen knocked Fisher out with a massive left hook following on from a combination to the body. Most read in BoxingHe said afterwards: “This means everything to me. I’ve been written off so many times.”You know what it means? The belt, everything, my kids. I’m gonna have an en suite, they’ll have their own bathroom between them.Shocking moment boxing referee is viciously attacked by several men in ring after fight before he is sent flying”At this level, I’m a handful. He overexaggerated the movement, which worked against him.”I’ve got experience, I know the game inside-out. I’m him, but with 30 more fights basically.”He’s my friend. He’s a very good friend of mine. I wouldn’t allow [a trilogy fight] to happen, because it’s not in his best interests.”Fisher was left needing oxygen after the stoppage but took to Instagram to say: “I weren’t good enough tonight but that’s what boxing is all about and that’s what sport is all about.”The best people keep coming and keep going and don’t let one little blip get them down.”Allen knocked Fisher out with a brutal left hookCredit: PAAllen made sure not to leave it to the judgesCredit: PAFisher needed oxygen in the aftermathCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I thought I was minutes away from lights out’ – Rio Ferdinand breaks silence on horror bug that put him in hospital

      by

      RIO FERDINAND has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalised last week, revealing he thought he was close to “lights out”.The former Manchester United defender spent days in hospital and was forced to miss his punditry duties with TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalisedCredit: PAThe former defender shared an update from his hospital bed last weekCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand, 46, was set to provide analysis of Arsenal’s visit to Paris Saint-Germain before acting as co-commentator as United reached the Europa League final.Instead he was forced to watch on from a hospital bed and updated fans on his condition by sharing a photo of himself with his thumbs up.That was the aftermath of a serious ordeal for the former England defender, who had been suffering from a horrific stomach bug.The “crazy” illness left Ferdinand vomiting while he also experienced migraines and vertigo, making him feel like the “lights were out”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I had a mad virus. I thought lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously.”I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn’t even open my eyes.”Then, the headache I had… I don’t get migraines or nothing else so I don’t know what they’re like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out.”Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo. I was holding onto the sheets, I didn’t know where I was. It was crazy.”Most read in FootballFerdinand also revealed he went into a state of panic after doctors told him he would need a brain scan.He was even offered an ambulance, making the ex-England star even more nervous.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand continued: “I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, “Do you want an ambulance”? So that’s when I knew.”He went, ‘We’re going to get your brain scanned’. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts.”I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn’t even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Ryan Garcia feared losing his kids at height of mental health battle but returns to boxing with chance of redemption

      by

      RYAN GARCIA feared losing his kids at the height of his public mental health breakdown – but returning to boxing is his chance of redemption.The American superstar has spoken honestly in the past about struggling with depression at times in his career. Ryan Garcia drinks from a beer bottle before his fight with Devin HaneyCredit: AlamyGarcia shares daughter Bela and son Henry with ex-wife Andrea CelinaCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia with his first-born daughter RylieCredit: INSTAGRAMAfter beating Luke Campbell in 2021, Garcia took 15 months out of the ring to deal with personal problems behind the scenes. But his fight outside the ring threatened to derail his career before facing Devin Haney in New York last year. Garcia was openly drinking and admitting to smoking cannabis in the build-up to the bout, partying throughout his training camp. Mixed in with worrying social media outbursts and conspiracies, fans and even his loved ones grew concerned for Garcia. READ MORE IN boxingAmazingly, the troubled boxer made it to the ring and beat Haney in a shock upset, only for the result to be overturned after a failed drug test. Now Garcia is back after accepting a one-year suspension – but thankfully turned his life around during the 12 months out.He told SunSport: “That route I was on is not sustainable as a professional athlete. “You can’t be going about things in that manner as a professional and just changing my whole mindset, making sure that I get back to being the best fighter I can be and the best athlete I can be and that was the switch that I made.” Most read in BoxingGarcia revealed he hit his lowest point last June after trashing a Los Angeles hotel room – causing £11,000 worth of damage. He was arrested and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism – and feared he would lose his three children in the process. Ryan Garcia says his one-year-old son is already a champion in the making… and has his famous left hookGarcia, who went to counselling, revealed: “I mean, as a father you’ve always got to be thinking about what examples you’re giving to your children.”And I think as a mature man, you have to realise your mistakes and make changes, no matter how they come about.”And I think that’s important. I love my kids and I love my family and making sure that I’m a great example for them is a huge priority for me.”So, I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.”Garcia shares his eldest daughter Rylie with ex-girlfriend Catherine Gamez and has Bela with his former wife Andrea Celina.And in December 2023, he welcomed son Henry into the world with Andrea, who he remains close with as they parent together.The Garcia clan rolled into New York ahead of his return fight against Rolando Romero tonight – with boxing allowing him a second chance. Garcia with his son HenryCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia feared losing his kids in the height of his mental health battleCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia with his eldest RylieCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia said: “It’s everything, that’s my career. This is my livelihood, this is how I support my family.”And obviously it’s really important for me to be the best I could possibly be if I’m not that, then it’ll be hard to do anything else.”Garcia – who claimed he was drinking on the week of his fight with Haney – has cut out and traded any damaging vices. He said: “I’m just playing chess. Playing video games, playing golf, honestly.”A clip of Garcia’s woeful driving on the golf course emerged on social media and he laughed: “Yeah, that was bad, right? “But I gotta find some type of hobby, so it is what it is, just enjoying my time with the people around me and that’s it, living the life.”Garcia, 26, dropped Haney, also 26, three times in Brooklyn last April on the way to a surprise points win off the back of his turbulent prepration. Garcia says he was partying in the days before fighting HaneyCredit: FightHype Haney was dropped three times but Garcia’s win was overturned amid the failed testCredit: GettyBut the result was chalked off after Garcia tested positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth. He had returned clean tests with VADA in the build-up to the bout and his team blamed contaminated supplements for the positive result.But the positive tests were taken on the day of and 24 hours before the bout at the Barclays Center.Garcia, who was also fined nearly £1million, said: “At the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?”Garcia is back in boxing after serving a drugs ban and turning around his mental healthCredit: GettyGarcia says he is better ‘mentally and physically’Credit: RexGarcia returns to top a stunning three-fight card in Times Square against former sparring rival Romero, 29. Haney features in his comeback bout against Jose Ramirez, 32, as a rematch with Garcia is targeted for October. Garcia said: “I think that he has a great chance to beat Ramirez. Ramirez is a little past his prime. So I expect both of us to win, for sure.” Despite his failed drug test and subsequent no-contest the beatdown of Haney has left question marks of the former champion’s confidence. And Garcia goaded: “I have no idea how he’s gonna go about himself. I just know that I was in his head the first time.”It’s hard to look past getting dropped three times, I mean, you have to address that within yourself. So I don’t know how he’s gonna handle that.” Garcia steps up to the 147lb welterweight division to face Romero and said: “I’m just ready to go.”I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling pretty good physically, but for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically.Read More on The Sun”So, you know, I’ve done this before. I’ve fought many fights in my life and I’m ready, I’m in shape, ready to go 12 rounds and ready to do my job.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Garcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: RexHaney faces Jose RamirezCredit: Alamy More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Ryan Garcia says his one-year-old son is already a champion in the making… and has his famous left hook

      by

      RYAN GARCIA says his one-year-old son is already a boxing champion in the making – having inherited his famous left hook. The father-of-three has two daughters, sharing Rylie with ex-girlfriend Catherine Gamez and Bela with his former wife Andrea Celina. Ryan Garcia with his son HenryCredit: InstagramGarcia, famed for his left hook, says his son is a naturalCredit: GettyAnd in December 2023, he welcomed his son Henry into the world with Andrea, who he remains close with as they parent together.The American superstar named his youngest after his dad – who introduced Garcia and brother Sean to boxing aged just seven.Henry still helps train and corner his sons – and Garcia will be there for his boy should he choose to enter the family business. He told SunSport: “If I see him really wanting it, I’ll have no other choice but to support him like my dad supported me, so I can’t take that away from him.READ MORE IN BOXING”If that’s in his heart, like it was in my heart, I gotta be like what my dad did for me. “I have a great example of what it means to believe in your son, so I think that I’m gonna just carry that forward to my son.”If he believes in himself, truly, I believe in him and I know all the ins and outs of of the game now, so it could be that much easier for him.”Despite baby Henry not turning two for another six months, he is already practising his boxing skills with his famous fighting father.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGarcia revealed: “He already has the left hook though, which is crazy.”I’m not kidding. I do mitts and I didn’t even teach him that, I guess it’s in his blood.”Ryan Garcia opens up on failed drug test after having Devin Haney win stripped away from himGarcia, 26, returns to the ring on Friday night against former sparring rival Rolando Romero, 29, to headline an historic card in Times Square.It comes having served a 12-month ban for testing positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth – after fighting Devin Haney. Garcia had dropped Haney three times before winning a shock decision – only to have the victory overturned to a no-contest. He had returned clean tests with VADA in the build-up to the bout and his team blamed contemplated supplements for the positive result.But the positive tests were taken on the day of and 24 hours before the bout at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.Garcia, who was also fined nearly £1million, said: “At the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?”I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.Ryan Garcia Garcia suffered a public mental health breakdown both before and after his fight with Haney.He was even arrested last June and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism after causing £11,000 worth of damage in an LA hotel room.But thankfully, Garcia turned it around and has got back on track both mentally and physically after fearing he could lose his children. He said: “I mean, as a father you’ve always got to be thinking about what examples you’re giving to your children.”And I think as a mature man, you have to realise your mistakes and make changes, no matter how they come about.”And I think that’s important. I love my kids and I love my family and making sure that I’m a great example for them is a huge priority for me.”So, I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.”Garcia tops the stunning three-fight card outside New York’s famous Times Square. Rival Haney, 26, also returns after a year lay-off to face Jose Ramriez, 32, with a rematch against Garcia planned for later this year. Both have to first win and rejuvenated Garcia added: “I’m feeling good. I mean, I’m just ready to go.Read More on The Sun”I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling good physically, but for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically.”So, you know, I’ve done this before. I’ve fought many fights in my life and I’m ready, I’m in shape, ready to go 12 rounds and ready to do my job.”Garcia’s son Henry was born in December 2023Credit: INSTAGRAMGarcia shares daughter Bela and son Henry with ex Andrea CelinaCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: Rex More

    • 288 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘I know I didn’t cheat’ – Ryan Garcia opens up on failed drug test after having Devin Haney win stripped away from him

      by

      RYAN GARCIA has opened up on his failed drug test to insist: “I know I didn’t cheat.” The American star dropped Devin Haney three times on the way to a shock decision victory in April 2024.Devin Haney had his loss taken away after Ryan Garcia’s failed drug testCredit: GettyBut the result was soon overturned when it emerged Garcia tested positive for ostarine – a banned substance known to boost muscle growth. Garcia protested his innocence but accepted a one-year ban – opposed to fighting it like Britain’s Conor Benn. Benn tested positive for clomiphene – which can boost testosterone – and refused a suspension and instead battled the case. Eventually, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case against him – allowing him to fight on home soil again in defeat to Chris Eubank Jr. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut Garcia told SunSport: “What did he get out of that? People still think he cheated, so at the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBenn, 28, never shared the evidence that got his case dropped against him, opting to instead keep it confidential. And Garcia – whose team blamed contaminated supplements for his failed test – has not explained why ostarine was in his system. Ryan Garcia ready to fight Conor Benn and settle feud after rival’s ‘war’ with Chris Eubank JrHe added: “What we did find out is that it was at the lowest amount you could possibly find trace amount.”So again, it’s proven that there was such low dosage in my system that has no effect on my body, so that’s just the truth. It is what it is.”Garcia returned clean Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tests in the build-up to his bout with Haney. And the positive tests for ostarine were taken from tests on the day of and 24 hours following the fight at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.Garcia suffered a public mental health breakdown after his fight with Haney.He was even arrested last June and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism after causing £11,000 worth of damage in an LA hotel room.But thankfully, Garcia turned it around and has got back on track both mentally and physically.The boxer now returns against former sparring partner Rolando Romero, 29, on Friday night in a historic event staged outside in Times Square.I know I didn’t cheat. I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.Ryan Garcia on his failed drug test Haney, 26, is also on the same card against Jose Ramirez, 32, with a rematch planned if both are victorious. Garcia said: “I think that he has a great chance to beat Ramirez. Ramirez is a little past his prime. So I expect both of us to win, for sure.”Despite Haney regaining his unbeaten record in the aftermath of Garcia’s doping scandal – the beatdown still sticks in the memory of fans. And Garcia goaded: “I have no idea how he’s gonna go about himself. I just know that I was in his head the first time.”It’s hard to look past getting dropped three times, I mean, you have to address that within yourself.”So I don’t know how he’s gonna handle that.”Garcia decided against heading into an immediate rematch with Haney after his lay-off. He learned the hard way for mistakes made before his 2023 loss to Gervonta Davis, 30, which came off the back of a nine-month absence. Garcia said: “I learned my lesson with the Tank fight on not taking a tune-up. You gotta be active. Read More on The Sun”I don’t think taking a year off and going straight into the Haney fight makes sense for either one of us. A year off is a long time.”You need to get your timing back, everything back, real fights are much different than sparring, so it’s good that we both took a fight, I think.”Garcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: GettyHaney facing off with Jose RamirezCredit: Getty More