Boxing has always been a world of second chances and dramatic comebacks. Ryan Garcia knows this narrative all too well. After a tumultuous year filled with controversy and suspension, the young boxer is ready to step back into the spotlight.
Garcia’s return isn’t a traditional professional boxing match. Instead, he’s chosen an exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. The fight is set for December 30 in Japan, marking a strategic move for the boxer currently serving a suspension. He can’t participate in sanctioned professional matches until April 2025 due to testing positive for banned substances.
The backstory adds some spice to this upcoming fight. Garcia openly criticized Anpo for his fight against Manny Pacquiao, claiming the kickboxer disrespected the aging legend. This exhibition match comes on the heels of a complicated professional bout with Devin Haney. Garcia initially won by unanimous decision but saw the result changed to a no-contest after his controversial substance test.
Interestingly, Garcia isn’t just looking at this exhibition as a mere comeback. He’s already calling out Jake Paul, another controversial figure in combat sports. The potential for a future high-profile match seems to be brewing, with Garcia potentially aiming to restore his public image.
Ryan Garcia Was Previously Interested In Bare Knuckle Fighting
Combat sports have always been a playground for reinvention and unexpected career moves. Ryan Garcia, a boxer known for his flashy style and controversial persona, proved this point once again. The young fighter was exploring territories far beyond traditional boxing, setting his sights on the raw and unfiltered world of bare-knuckle fighting.
‘KingRy’s’ earlier social media post challenged potential bare-knuckle opponents. As he cannot box professionally due to suspension, he was opting to pursue combat sports this way. This was a serious exploration of a different fighting format.
“Anyone want to fight bare knuckle,” said Garcia in a tweet from August.
This isn’t Garcia’s first rodeo of exploring alternative fighting platforms. He’s previously expressed interest in joining the UFC, even engaging in social media banter with fighters like Sean O’Malley. Dana White, however, quickly shut down those dreams.
