Ryan Garcia to Face Rukiya Anpo in Exhibition Bout Despite PED Suspension

In an unexpected turn of events, Ryan Garcia is set to return to the ring on December 30 for an exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo. The bout will take place despite Garcia currently serving a suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). This clash, scheduled to unfold under full boxing rules, will be contested at a catchweight of 153 lbs over eight two-minute rounds.

Garcia’s Suspension and Comeback

Ryan Garcia, a 26-year-old boxer from Victorville, California, has been sidelined since June after receiving a one-year retroactive suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). This suspension was handed down after Garcia tested positive for the PED ostarine ahead of his April fight with junior welterweight titleholder Devin Haney. The fight itself was a controversial one, with Garcia dropping Haney three times before the contest was ultimately ruled a no-contest due to Garcia’s failure to meet the official weigh-in limit, being over three pounds heavier than required.

Despite the suspension, Garcia is eager to make a comeback and has set his sights on taking down Anpo. He has made it clear that he intends to knock out the Japanese fighter as a response to Anpo’s past actions. “I’m looking forward to knocking Anpo out for disrespecting Manny Pacquiao,” Garcia remarked, referencing Anpo’s July exhibition bout against the Filipino boxing legend.

Rukiya Anpo: A Fearsome Opponent

Rukiya Anpo, a 28-year-old former kickboxing world champion from Himeji, Japan, is known for his aggressive fighting style and impressive accolades, including Fight of the Year and KO of the Year awards. He made his debut with the RIZIN organization in 2023 and quickly gained recognition for his fearsome presence in the ring. Anpo, who goes by the moniker “Demolition Man,” isn’t backing down from the challenge.

Anpo has boldly stated that he believes he surpasses Garcia in size, speed, and power, adding that if Garcia treats the match as a lighthearted affair, he will be in for a rude awakening. “If he treats this like a party, I’ll give him a beatdown and show America who the real bad boy is,” Anpo said.

This exhibition bout is set to be a high-stakes clash of egos, with both fighters motivated to make a statement in their respective careers. Whether Garcia can return to form after his suspension or Anpo can assert his dominance on the boxing stage remains to be seen, but the Tokyo showdown is sure to draw significant attention.