Boxing Star Ryan Garcia Tackles New Opponent: Hotel Furniture
In what can only be described as a controversial bout outside the ring, boxer Ryan Garcia found himself grappling with a new kind of opponent: hotel furniture. The 25-year-old was arrested for felony vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills. Authorities accuse Garcia of causing over $15,000 in damages, which seems excessive unless he tried to turn the furniture into sparring partners (USA Today).
Felony vandalism charges in California can come into play if the damage surpasses $400, thus making Garcia's alleged $15,000 spree akin to using a wrecking ball to swat a fly (NY Post). The boxer, who usually leaves his opponents floored, appears to have done the same with more glamorous targets - except these came with hefty price tags and no ability to punch back.
Interestingly, this wasn't an isolated incident of erratic behavior. Leading up to his match against Devin Haney, which he won by majority decision, Garcia exhibited a streak of erraticism. Any psychologist might suggest intensive therapy, but apparently, the boxer preferred to take out his frustrations on plush cushions and wooden panels.
The situation grew curiouser after the arrest. Garcia was taken to a hospital due to unspecified "medical complaints" but was released thereafter, clearly announcing he was physically, if not mentally, fit (USA Today). His erratic escapades culminated with authorities conducting a wellness check on him after a family member expressed concern for his well-being (NY Post).
Further adding to his woes, Garcia faces a possible suspension after testing positive for banned substances before and the day of his April 20 fight against Devin Haney (USA Today). We can only wonder if his tests included a penchant for interior decoration modifications.
Garcia’s attorney suggested the boxer might also face charges of public intoxication, noting that he was under the influence of either alcohol or drugs (NY Post). Golden Boy Promotions, representing Garcia, did not respond to requests for comment, which is probably wise because reasoning through this would be like untangling a particularly knotty shoelace (USA Today).
Ryan Garcia’s personal life seems as chaotic as his professional one. In January, he announced the birth of his first child and simultaneously his divorce from his supermodel wife, encapsulating more plot twists than the latest season of any high-viewership drama (NY Post). He subsequently proposed to adult film star Savannah Bond, though the engagement was called off quicker than a referee can start a ten-count.
Continuing this rapid carousel of relationships, Garcia was later spotted holding hands with model Grace Boor in Miami. Clearly, in relationships as in boxing, he moves fast and covers a lot of ground.
All things considered, Garcia’s bout with the Waldorf Astoria hotel furniture is just another chapter in a year full of headline-worthy events. Which makes one wonder: are we witnessing the chronicles of a fighter battling more than just opponents in the ring? With his personal and professional life in a constant state of flux, only time will tell whether Garcia's future headlines will see him conquering more conventional opponents.
For now, he remains an undefeated champion in battles against both human and inanimate adversaries, demonstrating a full range of punching potential. And the Waldorf Astoria? They are probably reevaluating their furniture insurance policies, preparing for his next unintentional round.