Ryan Garcia is making the most of his suspension by taking on an exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo on December 30 in Tokyo, Japan.
The suspension followed Garcia testing positive for ostarine after his April fight with Devin Haney. What was initially a hard-fought majority decision victory, including three knockdowns, was overturned to a no-contest due to the violation. Haney has since filed a lawsuit against Garcia for battery related to the fight.
At 26, Garcia is using this opportunity to stay active and prepare for his official return to boxing, which can’t happen until April 2025.
Ryan Garcia and Rukiya Anpo are already heating things up ahead of their exhibition fight at RIZIN’s Decade event on December 30.
At the first press conference in Los Angeles, tensions ran high when Anpo decided to make a bold statement. After delivering a prepared speech directly to Garcia, the Japanese kickboxer crumpled the paper and threw it at the former WBC interim lightweight champion.
The exchange set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and intense clash in the ring.
“We all know Ryan Garcia’s issues,” Anpo said. “Missing weight, alcohol, … lack of professionalism, no sportsmanship, no respect. Yet he dares to call himself ‘King.’ On fight day I’ll show him the true code of bushido. We fight for honor and legacy. I’ll bring the real Japanese samurai spirit and show him exactly where he belongs.
“F*ck you! F*ck you!”
Ryan Garcia: Fuck you, how ’bout that?pic.twitter.com/culLafNnk3
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 26, 2024
Rukiya Anpo’s intensity seemed to take Ryan Garcia by surprise. Garcia admitted he wasn’t treating the exhibition match with much seriousness, but Anpo’s fiery approach might change that. This clash is shaping up to be more intense than expected.
“It’s waking me up,” Garcia said. “I just kind of looked to this like, it’s going to be a little exhibition, I’m going to enjoy the ride, enjoy the festivities in Japan, it’s New Year’s, but now it’s kind of waking the dragon up. It’s making me a little excited to put a whooping on this dude. I’m looking to knock hi out now. Before, I thought it was going to be a relaxing, family event. It’s not anymore.”
Rukiya Anpo got in Ryan Garcia’s face during the first #RIZIN_DECADE press conference in LA 👀 pic.twitter.com/4myxbqh2l1
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 26, 2024
Ryan Garcia and Rukiya Anpo turned up the tension at their press conference, exchanging heated words and bold challenges. During the face-off, Garcia made a playful move as if to punch, and Anpo responded by giving him a firm shove, keeping the sparks flying.
At 26, Garcia, a former WBC interim lightweight champion, has faced recent hurdles outside the ring. His April victory over Devin Haney was overturned due to a banned substance, leaving him with a one-year suspension.
Anpo, 29, is a seasoned K-1 champion known for his skill and grit. He recently delivered an impressive showing in an exhibition bout against Manny Pacquiao, showcasing his top-tier talent.
