In a surprising turn of events, boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has announced he will be stepping back into the ring for an exhibition match against Japan’s Rukiya Anpo on December 30th in Tokyo. The bout comes as Garcia remains under suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission following a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug earlier this year.
Garcia’s Controversial Suspension and Comeback
Ryan Garcia’s last sanctioned fight was a thrilling upset victory over Devin Haney in April, where he scored three knockdowns en route to a majority decision win. However, the result was overturned to a no contest after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance, leading to his ongoing suspension.
Now, the 26-year-old star is eager to get back in action, even if it means taking an unsanctioned exhibition bout overseas. According to sources close to Garcia’s camp, the fight with Anpo provides an opportunity to shake off some rust and stay active while waiting out his suspension.
“I’m looking forward to knocking Anpo out for trying to knock out the legend Manny Pacquiao,” Garcia declared. “Manny is past his prime and for him to try to knock him out rubbed me the wrong way. I will knock him out and teach him a lesson of respect.”
Who is Rukiya Anpo?
Rukiya Anpo, a 29-year-old Japanese fighter, is a former kickboxing champion who has transitioned to boxing in recent years. With a record of 27 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, Anpo has proven himself a formidable opponent in the ring.
Anpo gained international attention in July when he shared the ring with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao for an exhibition match in Tokyo. The bout was a closely contested affair, with Anpo pushing the pace and nearly stopping the Filipino legend in the final round.
It was this aggressive performance against Pacquiao that caught Ryan Garcia’s eye and ultimately led to the arrangement of their upcoming December exhibition.
The Exhibition Match Format
The Garcia-Anpo exhibition is set to take place at a catch-weight of 153 pounds, slightly above Garcia’s usual fighting weight in the lightweight division. The bout will be contested over eight, two-minute rounds, rather than the standard three-minute rounds of professional boxing.
While no official winner will be declared, both fighters have expressed their intent to put on a show for the fans and prove their superiority in the ring. For Garcia, it’s a chance to remind the boxing world of his explosive power and speed, while Anpo sees it as an opportunity to score a career-defining victory over a rising star.
Implications for Garcia’s Future
As Ryan Garcia prepares for his exhibition match with Rukiya Anpo, questions linger about the impact this bout could have on his career trajectory. Some experts argue that taking an unsanctioned fight while under suspension is a risky move that could potentially lead to further disciplinary action from boxing commissions.
However, others see it as a smart way for Garcia to stay active and maintain his momentum during a difficult period. If he can deliver an impressive performance against Anpo, it could help bolster his case for a swift return to sanctioned competition once his suspension is lifted.
“Ryan is a fighter through and through,” a member of Garcia’s inner circle revealed. “He can’t stand sitting on the sidelines, especially when he feels he has so much more to prove. This exhibition is a chance for him to remind everyone just how special he is and that he’s ready to take on all comers when he’s reinstated.”
Regardless of the outcome, the Garcia-Anpo exhibition bout has already generated significant buzz in the boxing world. Fans are eager to see how the flashy American phenom will fare against the gritty Japanese challenger, and whether this fight will serve as a launching pad for the next phase of Ryan Garcia’s promising career.
As the countdown to December 30th begins, all eyes will be on Tokyo as two of boxing’s most exciting young talents collide in a battle of speed, power, and national pride. Will Ryan Garcia silence his critics and cement his status as a pound-for-pound great, or will Rukiya Anpo score the upset and catapult himself into the global boxing spotlight? The stage is set for a unforgettable night of fistic fireworks to close out the year.
