Ryan Garcia confirms boxing return against ex-Pacman foe Rukiya Anpo

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Six months after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug (PED), boxing star Ryan Garcia will finally make his return inside the ring announced on November 19, 2024.

In a social media post also updated by Garcia himself, the super lightweight contender revealed that he will be facing Rukiya Anpo, a Japanese kickboxer, in an exhibition fight most probably to be held at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

With six months still left in his ongoing suspension, Garcia will take on an unofficial bout and kept his promise after making an appearance during the past scheduled fight night at the Saitama Super Arena.

Last July 28, 2024, Anpo took the boxing world by storm after squaring off against boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in another exhibition fight.

Anpo stood his ground against the more experienced Pacquiao and showed a good performance after overwhelming the retired living legend with a barrage of combinations.

Fortunately for Pacquaio, the match ended in a draw, as a win under the Super RIZIN exhibition boxing bout will have to be earned by knocking out your opponent.

It was a rough start for the Filipino boxing living legend as Anpo immediately took advantage of his strength and reach.

In the first minute of the opening round, Pacquiao failed to land a clean shot while Anpo was already sending a flurry of jabs that caused a cut above the Filipino’s eye.

Anpo clinched the much-needed momentum heading into the second round as his snappy jabs continued to disrupt Pacquiao’s intent of cutting the distance.

Pacquiao finally waxed hot in the third as his fluid head movement and signature in-and-out attack worked against Anpo, connecting on several body shots including a big uppercut that put the crowd on their feet.

The action-packed exhibition bout then officially ended in a draw as both fighters didn’t score a knockout or a technical knockout win.

Moments after Pacquiao and Anpo’s post-fight interviews, Garcia immediately entered the ring and gave a hint of a highly-anticipated fight against Anpo.

This will be Garcia’s first fight back in the sport after handing Devin Haney his first professional loss last April 21, 2024.