Ryan Garcia’s return to the boxing ring on December 30th is generating mixed reactions. Set to face Rukiya Anpo in a pay-per-view exhibition in Japan, Garcia is navigating the aftermath of his one-year suspension imposed by the New York State Athletic Commission. This suspension resulted from a positive test for a prohibited substance following his bout against Devin Haney on April 20th, creating a situation where Garcia seeks both financial gain and competitive readiness during his time away from official matches.
Fans, however, are far from enthusiastic about this upcoming exhibition. Many boxing enthusiasts feel inundated by the proliferation of exhibition matches, which often feature prominent fighters going up against lesser-known or non-professional opponents. In Garcia’s case, the notion of facing Anpo, who previously contested against the aging Manny Pacquiao, doesn’t seem to excite audiences eager for meaningful, competitive bouts. The decision to demand payment for what many perceive as a glorified sparring session only fuels discontent.
The sentiment is palpable; boxing purists expect to see fighters in the ring showcasing their skills against worthy adversaries, not indulging in unfulfilling exhibitions. This scenario raises questions about the future of boxing exhibitions: do they enhance the sport’s profile, or do they dilute its integrity?
From Garcia’s perspective, this exhibition serves dual purposes: it allows him to remain active as he endures the suspension and provides an opportunity for revenue generation. He finds himself in a precarious situation—one where he must reconcile the desire to fight with the consequences of his previous indiscretions. Garcia currently holds a professional record of 24 wins, one loss, and 20 knockouts, which is impressive. However, the specter of the suspension looms large, complicating his path forward in boxing.
This match also serves as a precursor to a potential showdown with influencer Jake Paul, whom Garcia has expressed interest in fighting next. While there are no guarantees that Paul will accept the challenge, the mere mention of a possible clash illustrates Garcia’s ambitions and the evolving landscape of boxing, where entertainment and traditional competition collide.
Rukiya Anpo presents a unique challenge. At 29, with experience fighting established names, he is no stranger to the ring’s pressures. His previous exhibition against Pacquiao resulted in a controversial draw, but many observers felt Anpo outperformed the aging legend. Garcia must approach this fight with caution, as Anpo’s dangerous punching power may pose significant risks he did not face against Haney. Given the stakes, Garcia will need to employ tactical discipline and ensure that he is prepared to defend himself effectively.
While Ryan Garcia’s upcoming exhibition may constitute a much-needed opportunity to stay active, it also reflects the ongoing debates within boxing about the value and future of exhibition matches. As audiences grapple with their mixed feelings, Garcia’s path forward remains defined by both the challenges of his past and the aspirations he holds for his future. Whether this exhibition will help or hinder his reputation remains to be seen as he aims to reclaim his standing in the sport.