Ryan Garcia Dec. 30 Exhibition vs. Rukiya Anpo Faces New Setback

The future of Ryan Garcia has been a major talking point in the boxing world since he tested positive for the banned drug ostarine in a pre and post-fight test before his April 20 win over Devin Haney. Following that shocking news Garcia’s behaviour alarmed many with a series of alarming social media posts. “Kingry” then agreed to serve a one-year ban for the failed tests, leaving him suspended in the U.S. until at least April 2025. His win over Haney was then changed to a no-contest.

It was then announced he would return sooner than expected in an exhibition bout on December 30, 2024, against Japanese kickboxing star Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo. These plans for Garcia took a twist when Oscar De La Hoya dismissed these plans in a shocking post via his X account. This planned exhibition fight has now received another setback with Fanmio revealing via their X account that Garcia has picked up an injury in training so the contest will now be postponed.

Ryan Garcia Next Fight Hits Another Obstacle

 Ryan Garcia Next Fight vs. Rukiya Anpo: New Setback Emerges

The X post from Fanmio read: “Due to an injury, Ryan Garcia sustained during training camp, #GarciaAnpo has been postponed for a later date in early 2025. Stay tuned!”

In a recent press conference for this planned exhibition, Garcia spoke about the importance of this fight:“This is my only route, so I found a way. Obviously taking months off ruins you, you lose a step, so we’re going to see how it goes.”

He added: “From there, we’ll make a decision, I’m just trying to get in the mix of things after a long break, get used to training, stay in shape and just continue developing for a big fight in April.”

What’s Next for Garcia?

The talented Californian fighter has been a lot quieter on social media lately which some had taken as a positive sign that this planned exhibition was having a positive effect on his life.

It remains to be seen if the bout will even take place, but if it does, the legion of Garcia fans will be hoping he impresses and soon returns to the professional boxing world following the conclusion of his ban.