As the New York State Athletic Commission readies to determine the fate of Ryan Garcia, the commission’s executive director has resigned for family reasons, saying the move has been in the works for several months.
Kim Sumbler, who was in the position for eight years, will be replaced by acting executive director Matthew Delaglio, who is expected to assume the role fully, according to an official familiar with the commission’s workings.
Sumbler told BoxingScene on Tuesday that she understands her move will be a “surprise” to many in the combat sports community, but she explains she’s been plotting to retire for “the past few months” to help tend to her elderly parents and spend time with her husband.
“I appreciate all the support I received over the years from the combat sports community,” Sumbler told BoxingScene in text messages. “This is a very difficult job that many don’t understand.
“My love for combat sports will make sure that it is always a part of my life, but I’m ready and excited for a different direction in my life for the time being.”
Sumbler exits as the commission is beginning its review of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Assn.’s reports on the drug tests of Ryan Garcia, who defeated then-unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney by majority decision in Brooklyn on April 20.
Garcia, after weighing in 3.2 pounds over the 140-pound weight limit, submitted a positive result for the banned performance-enhancing substance Ostarine, according to VADA reports that have been made public.
VADA clarified Tuesday that the steroid metabolite 19-Norandrosterone that originally “screened positive” is not present in a second test.
Garcia’s attorney told ESPN.com Tuesday that the Ostarine presence is “in the billionth of a gram range that provided Ryan Garcia with no performance-enhancing benefit whatsoever on fight night.”
Garcia has requested B-sample testing on May 22.
Upon reviewing VADA’s completed work, the New York State Athletic Commission is empowered to suspend and fine Garcia, and may also change his victory to a no-contest.
Read the full article here
