For the first time since a tumultuous 2024, which featured a drug test suspension and a very public mental health crisis, boxing superstar Ryan Garcia has come clean, in detail, about his battles with drugs and alcohol. Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), who saw his April 2024 upset of unbeaten Devin Haney changed to a no contest when he tested positive for a banned substance, told Akin Reyes and Barak Bess last week during an exclusive sitdown interview on “Ring Champs” that it took a July arrest in Los Angeles and the threat of losing custody of his three children for the 26-year-old to make the necessary changes to his unscrupulous lifestyle.

“I was doing everything – gambling, drinking, women; whatever I wanted to do,” Garcia said during the sitdown, produced by All the Smoke Fight, that debuted Wednesday. “I was just destroying my soul, just destroying my spirit. Everything took a toll on me.

“[My family] wanted me to get help and they tried as best as they can but when you are in that state, you aren’t listening. When you have everything you want at your disposal, it’s not for everybody. I have an addictive personality so, when I got going, I got going and just took it to a whole other place.”

Garcia also confirmed suspicions that substance abuse played a significant role in the lead-up and aftermath of his fight against Haney, which left Garcia suspended for one year after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. This situation was compounded by personal issues including his divorce from Andrea Celina shortly after the birth of their son, and his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis.

Garcia’s behavior during 2024 saw him making headlines for debauchery, including confrontational comments on social media and bizarre public behavior.

Despite these challenges, Garcia aims for a comeback fight against Rolando Romero in May, revealing a newfound sense of calmness amid turmoil.