Ryan Garcia, a leading name in the boxing world, is set to step back into the ring on December 30th for an exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo in Japan. This match comes in the wake of a one-year suspension imposed by the New York State Athletic Commission following Garcia’s positive test for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) after his bout against Devin Haney on April 20th. While the exhibition offers Garcia a chance to remain active and financially afloat, it has sparked mixed reactions from fans and boxing purists who are weary of the growing trend of exhibition matches that seem divorced from the competitive spirit of professional boxing.
Fans have expressed a lack of enthusiasm regarding this pay-per-view event, signaling a broader frustration with the promotion of fights that don’t adhere to traditional competitive formats. Paying to watch a fighter that is not classified as a boxer – in this case, Anpo, who gained notoriety for his swing-heavy approach during a previous exhibition against Manny Pacquiao – raises eyebrows. Many fans feel that these types of matches dilute the sport’s integrity, as they often prioritize entertainment over genuine athletic competition. As the popularity of celebrity and influencer boxing grows, traditional fans fear this trend may compromise the essence of the sport.
From Garcia’s perspective, the exhibition is a calculated decision to navigate through the period of inactivity imposed by his suspension. At just 24 years old, with a professional record of 24 wins and only one loss, Garcia understands the need to maintain both his fighting edge and his marketability. With aspirations of potentially battling social media star Jake Paul in 2025, this exhibition serves as a preliminary step for him to stay in shape and regain momentum. It is crucial for Garcia to display his boxing prowess in this match, especially if he hopes to set up a lucrative fight against someone as controversial yet popular as Paul.
Rukiya Anpo, at 29 years old, presents a formidably challenging opponent. While traditionally considered an exhibition fighter, Anpo demonstrated a willingness to engage aggressively during his bout against Pacquiao, which ended in a contested draw. For Garcia, this match functions not only as a financial opportunity but also as a serious warm-up. Anpo’s reputation for delivering powerful punches means Garcia must come prepared to not only showcase his skill but also to avoid any potential knockout.
As boxing continues to evolve, the rising trend of exhibition matches poses an ongoing debate regarding their impact on the sport. While they provide fighters like Garcia a way to remain active in a lucrative manner, they also risk alienating traditional boxing fans. It remains to be seen how this match will affect Garcia’s future and what implications it may have for the legitimacy of boxing exhibitions as a whole. Ultimately, the outcome on December 30th might set the stage for how audiences perceive not just Garcia, but also the evolving landscape of boxing itself.