Ryan Garcia Faces Major Setback Ahead of 2025 Boxing Comeback
Ryan Garcia’s highly anticipated comeback to boxing has hit a significant roadblock. The 26-year-old boxer was set to face Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in a high-profile exhibition match in Tokyo on December 30. However, Garcia has revealed that he will need to undergo surgery on his injured right wrist, forcing him to withdraw from the contest.
This setback comes at a pivotal moment for Garcia, who had hoped to make a triumphant return to the ring after a tumultuous year. His planned matchup with Anpo, which was supposed to headline a pay-per-view card, was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, given the drama surrounding Garcia’s recent controversies.
In 2023, Garcia’s impressive victory over Devin Haney—in which he knocked Haney down three times—was overshadowed by the revelation that he had failed two drug tests for ostarine, a performance-enhancing substance. Despite Garcia’s claims that the positive tests were a result of contamination, the New York State Athletic Commission handed him a one-year ban from boxing. The results of the fight were changed to a no-contest, tarnishing what had been an otherwise promising performance.
With Garcia’s ban set to expire on April 20, 2025, many fans were eagerly awaiting his return to the ring, especially given the stakes surrounding his comeback fight with Anpo. However, the wrist injury now raises doubts about whether Garcia will be ready to return as soon as his suspension ends.
Ryan Garcia’s Injury and Surgery Announcement
Speaking during the broadcast for Anpo’s exhibition, Garcia confirmed that after consulting with doctors, he will undergo surgery on his wrist. “I’m still excited to fight in Japan soon, and this will all resume right after I heal up in 2025,” Garcia stated. He further emphasized his determination, saying, “I am coming
back to finish what we started with Anpo, and he will eat his words, I guarantee it.”
While Garcia’s injury is a setback, his confidence remains unwavering. He’s committed to returning to the sport stronger than ever, with the desire to prove his doubters wrong. Garcia’s focus is clearly set on his rivalry with Anpo, whom he views as an ideal opponent for his comeback. Anpo is no stranger to controversy himself, having gained significant attention in boxing circles for his exhibition match against Manny Pacquiao. Anpo’s dominant performance against the former eight-division world champion in 2023 has raised his profile, and Garcia seems keen on silencing the outspoken kickboxer.
Looking Ahead: Garcia’s Comeback in 2025
Despite the challenges, Garcia’s fans remain hopeful that he will make a successful return to professional boxing once he recovers. His rivalry with Anpo is just one part of the puzzle, as many are curious to see how he will perform in the competitive landscape of the sport post-suspension.
Garcia’s road to redemption will not be easy, but with his determination and unwavering focus, he could be a formidable force in the boxing world once again. As 2025 approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his comeback unfolds.
Key Takeaways:
- Ryan Garcia announces wrist surgery as a setback to his boxing comeback.
- Garcia’s return to boxing will likely happen after his one-year ban expires in April 2025.
- Rukiya Anpo remains a key figure in Garcia’s sights, with a potential showdown still on the horizon.
Stay tuned for updates as Ryan Garcia fights to reclaim his position in the ring.
