Former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia has announced that his exhibition match with Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, scheduled for December 31 in Japan, is still valid.
It was reported a few weeks before the fight that Garcia injured his wrist during training.
I’m coming on here to say I’m sorry that I had to postpone this fight. I suffered a hand injury in training camp, I’m going to need surgery. I wanna thank Fanmio and Rizin for the opportunity, and I’m still excited to fight in Japan soon. And this will all resume right after I heal up in 2025. So make no mistake, I am coming back to finish what we started with Anpo and he will eat his words, I guarantee it.
Ryan Garcia for the Rizin press service
Garcia last stepped into the ring against Devin Haney in April 2024, where he initially won by a majority decision. However, he was later suspended for a year due to a failed drug test, and the fight with Haney was ruled a no-contest. He currently holds a record of 24 wins (20 by knockout) and one loss.