Ryan Garcia’s potential return to the ring took an unexpected turn when RIZIN announced a Dec. 30 exhibition match between the American boxer and former kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo. However, the announcement quickly became mired in uncertainty as Golden Boy Promotions, Garcia’s management company, declared the bout unauthorized.
RIZIN’s Announcement Sparks Excitement
The Japanese mixed martial arts organization RIZIN held a press conference to unveil the highly anticipated exhibition boxing match. Set to take place in Tokyo, the bout was positioned as a headline event for RIZIN’s end-of-year showcase. Garcia, known for his lightning-fast hands and social media presence, was slated to face Anpo, a celebrated figure in kickboxing circles with a reputation for aggressive striking.
The fight, if it proceeds, would follow a similar format to RIZIN’s previous exhibitions featuring Floyd Mayweather. These bouts are typically full-contact contests that do not count on official records. Scheduled for eight two-minute rounds at a catchweight of 153 lbs, the event was set to air via Fanmio pay-per-view in the U.S. for $49.99.
Golden Boy Promotions Pushes Back
Despite the fanfare surrounding the announcement, Golden Boy Promotions swiftly issued a statement disputing the legitimacy of the fight. The promotional company emphasized its exclusive rights to Ryan Garcia’s fights and asserted that no approval had been given for this event.
“Golden Boy Promotions has exclusive rights to Ryan Garcia’s fights. The organizers of this event have acknowledged as such and have agreed in writing that our sign-off is needed for this event to occur. As no such sign-off has been given, as of today there is no event with Ryan Garcia,” the statement read.
This puts the proposed exhibition in limbo, leaving fans uncertain about whether the event will proceed as advertised.
Ryan Garcia’s Recent Challenges
Garcia (24-1, 20 KO) has faced a turbulent year. His last fight on April 20 against Devin Haney ended in controversy. Garcia missed weight, leading to a contentious bout where he initially secured a win. However, the victory was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia reportedly failed drug tests. As a result, the New York State Athletic Commission handed him a one-year suspension, sidelining the 25-year-old from sanctioned competition until spring 2024.
The suspension has pushed Garcia to explore alternative avenues, including exhibition matches, to stay active. The proposed fight with Anpo would provide him an opportunity to return to the ring under a less formal setup while maintaining his fitness and global appeal.
Rukiya Anpo: A Worthy Opponent
Anpo, a former kickboxing champion, brings his own pedigree to the potential matchup. Known for his explosive striking and technical prowess, Anpo has transitioned into boxing exhibitions, leveraging his reputation to attract high-profile opponents. The fight against Garcia, if approved, would mark another step in his crossover career, further solidifying his status as a versatile combat sports athlete.
What’s Next for the Fight?
The announcement of Garcia vs. Anpo has created buzz among fans eager to see the American boxer back in action. However, the situation remains uncertain. Golden Boy Promotions’ objection highlights the complexities of navigating contractual obligations and promotional rights in the world of professional boxing.
For the fight to proceed, Golden Boy’s approval is crucial. If negotiations between Garcia’s team, RIZIN, and Golden Boy fail to resolve the impasse, the event may be scrapped or proceed without Garcia’s involvement.
Fan Reaction
The mixed messages have left fans divided. While many are excited about the prospect of seeing Garcia in an international exhibition, others have expressed frustration over the ongoing disputes surrounding his career. Some see the exhibition as a creative workaround during his suspension, while others view it as a potential distraction from the discipline and focus needed to return to elite competition.
Conclusion
The proposed Ryan Garcia vs. Rukiya Anpo exhibition encapsulates the challenges and drama that often accompany high-profile matchups in combat sports. With Golden Boy Promotions standing firm, the fight’s future is uncertain. Whether or not the bout happens, it has already ignited conversation and anticipation, underscoring Garcia’s enduring star power and the global appeal of cross-discipline contests. Fans will be watching closely as the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rukiya Anpo: Fight Announcement Sparks Controversy Amid Golden Boy’s Objection
Ryan Garcia’s potential return to the ring took an unexpected turn when RIZIN announced a Dec. 30 exhibition match between the American boxer and former kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo. However, the announcement quickly became mired in uncertainty as Golden Boy Promotions, Garcia’s management company, declared the bout unauthorized.
RIZIN’s Announcement Sparks Excitement
The Japanese mixed martial arts organization RIZIN held a press conference to unveil the highly anticipated exhibition boxing match. Set to take place in Tokyo, the bout was positioned as a headline event for RIZIN’s end-of-year showcase. Garcia, known for his lightning-fast hands and social media presence, was slated to face Anpo, a celebrated figure in kickboxing circles with a reputation for aggressive striking.
The fight, if it proceeds, would follow a similar format to RIZIN’s previous exhibitions featuring Floyd Mayweather. These bouts are typically full-contact contests that do not count on official records. Scheduled for eight two-minute rounds at a catchweight of 153 lbs, the event was set to air via Fanmio pay-per-view in the U.S. for $49.99.
Golden Boy Promotions Pushes Back
Despite the fanfare surrounding the announcement, Golden Boy Promotions swiftly issued a statement disputing the legitimacy of the fight. The promotional company emphasized its exclusive rights to Ryan Garcia’s fights and asserted that no approval had been given for this event.
“Golden Boy Promotions has exclusive rights to Ryan Garcia’s fights. The organizers of this event have acknowledged as such and have agreed in writing that our sign-off is needed for this event to occur. As no such sign-off has been given, as of today there is no event with Ryan Garcia,” the statement read.
This puts the proposed exhibition in limbo, leaving fans uncertain about whether the event will proceed as advertised.
Ryan Garcia’s Recent Challenges
Garcia (24-1, 20 KO) has faced a turbulent year. His last fight on April 20 against Devin Haney ended in controversy. Garcia missed weight, leading to a contentious bout where he initially secured a win. However, the victory was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia reportedly failed drug tests. As a result, the New York State Athletic Commission handed him a one-year suspension, sidelining the 25-year-old from sanctioned competition until spring 2024.
The suspension has pushed Garcia to explore alternative avenues, including exhibition matches, to stay active. The proposed fight with Anpo would provide him an opportunity to return to the ring under a less formal setup while maintaining his fitness and global appeal.
Rukiya Anpo: A Worthy Opponent
Anpo, a former kickboxing champion, brings his own pedigree to the potential matchup. Known for his explosive striking and technical prowess, Anpo has transitioned into boxing exhibitions, leveraging his reputation to attract high-profile opponents. The fight against Garcia, if approved, would mark another step in his crossover career, further solidifying his status as a versatile combat sports athlete.
What’s Next for the Fight?
The announcement of Garcia vs. Anpo has created buzz among fans eager to see the American boxer back in action. However, the situation remains uncertain. Golden Boy Promotions’ objection highlights the complexities of navigating contractual obligations and promotional rights in the world of professional boxing.
For the fight to proceed, Golden Boy’s approval is crucial. If negotiations between Garcia’s team, RIZIN, and Golden Boy fail to resolve the impasse, the event may be scrapped or proceed without Garcia’s involvement.
Fan Reaction
The mixed messages have left fans divided. While many are excited about the prospect of seeing Garcia in an international exhibition, others have expressed frustration over the ongoing disputes surrounding his career. Some see the exhibition as a creative workaround during his suspension, while others view it as a potential distraction from the discipline and focus needed to return to elite competition.
Conclusion
The proposed Ryan Garcia vs. Rukiya Anpo exhibition encapsulates the challenges and drama that often accompany high-profile matchups in combat sports. With Golden Boy Promotions standing firm, the fight’s future is uncertain. Whether or not the bout happens, it has already ignited conversation and anticipation, underscoring Garcia’s enduring star power and the global appeal of cross-discipline contests. Fans will be watching closely as the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
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