California State Athletic Commission Executive Officer Andy Foster said in a prepared statement Saturday that Ryan Garcia needs to first settle his dealings with the New York State Athletic Commission before an Aug. 3 fight against Vergil Ortiz Jr. can be considered.
Ortiz (21-0, 21 KOs) is currently without an opponent on the Los Angeles card following this week’s injury withdrawal by former junior middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu.
And while Garcia and Ortiz have engaged in a social media discussion about possibly fighting, Garcia is dealing with a possible suspension, fine and no-contest after submitting two positive tests for the banned performance-enhancing substance ostarine following his April 20 victory over Devin Haney in Brooklyn, New York.
The New York commission has yet to set a date to determine Garcia’s fate.
“The California State Athletic Commission is aware of multiple reports of a possible matchup between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Ryan Garcia on August 3rd at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles,” Foster wrote.
“In the event that the New York State Athletic Commission takes disciplinary action against Mr. Garcia for the reported finding of Ostarine from a contaminated supplement, the California State Athletic Commission will honor the discipline from the New York State Athletic Commission including any license suspension.
“Should Mr. Garcia clear up any disciplinary issues with New York, California will be happy to review this proposed matchup.”
Ortiz trainer Robert Garcia told BoxingScene on Friday he is reviewing footage of WBC interim 154-pound champion Serhii Bohachuk as a likely Aug. 3 opponent.
