On December 30, boxing star Ryan Garcia is set to step into the ring for an exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo in Japan. This matchup is critical for Garcia, who is currently facing a one-year suspension imposed by the New York State Athletic Commission due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) after his bout against Devin Haney. This suspension not only affects his professional standing but also his financial earnings. As Garcia looks to remain active in the sport and continue generating revenue, this exhibition represents a necessary albeit controversial opportunity.
However, the excitement levels among fans appear to be lukewarm at best. The growing trend of exhibition matches in boxing has led many enthusiasts to become disillusioned with the format, especially when it involves fighters competing against non-professionals or lesser-known opponents. In this case, Garcia is set to face Anpo, a fighter who previously engaged in showcasing against the legendary Manny Pacquiao, where their encounter ended in a controversial draw. Fans are skeptical about investing in a pay-per-view (PPV) event for a three-round exhibition that many perceive as lacking the competitive spirit and grit typical of traditional boxing matches.
Despite the skepticism from fans, Garcia’s motivations are understandable. The financial implications of his suspension are significant, pushing him to seek out opportunities to stay in shape and potentially face influencers like Jake Paul in future bouts. This intention highlights the evolving nature of boxing, where traditional elements clash with emerging trends, such as influencer fighting. While fans may not eagerly await this exhibition, for Garcia, it serves as a bridge to potential future high-profile matches.
Facing Rukiya Anpo also poses its unique set of challenges. While the match may not wield the same stakes as a championship fight, Anpo’s reputation for being a formidable puncher, as demonstrated in his previous fight with Pacquiao, adds an element of unpredictability. Critics argue that Garcia’s safety could be compromised in the exhibition, especially considering Anpo’s aggressive fighting style. Garcia must demonstrate skill and caution, tightly guarding against the type of reckless exchanges that could lead to injury.
Intriguingly, Garcia has openly expressed his desire to clash with Jake Paul post-exhibition. Paul, with a growing presence in the boxing landscape, represents both a lucrative opportunity and a potential career risk for Garcia. Whether or not such a fight materializes is uncertain, as Paul has yet to comment on the prospect. As Garcia navigates the murky waters of exhibition boxing, his professional future continues to hang in a delicate balance, shaped by both public perception and the implications of his suspension.
While Garcia’s upcoming exhibition promises to keep him in the limelight and financially afloat during his suspension, it raises important questions about the integrity of boxing and the expectations of its fans. The fight will be a critical moment not just for Garcia, but for the sport’s ongoing evolution in an era increasingly marked by the blending of traditional boxing with exhibition-style events.