Golden Boy Promotions Objects to Ryan Garcia’s Proposed Exhibition Fight

Ryan Garcia’s professional boxing record stands at 24 wins, one loss, and one no contest. Golden Boy Promotions has denied that Garcia is scheduled to participate in an exhibition boxing match on 30 December in Japan. The 26-year-old Garcia had announced his intention to face Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo and appeared alongside his opponent at a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The American boxer is currently serving a doping suspension in the United States, which is slated to end on 20 April 2025. He will be required to provide a clean urine test before his license can be reissued. Oscar de la Hoya, head of Golden Boy, reacted to the media event by stating that his company holds “exclusive rights” to any fights involving Garcia. “The organisers of this event have acknowledged as such and have agreed in writing that our sign-off is needed for this event to occur,” he said. De la Hoya further asserted, “As no such sign-off has been given, as of today there is no event with Ryan Garcia.” Garcia had failed multiple drug tests preceding his victory over Devin Haney in April. That win was subsequently overturned to a no contest, and the New York State Athletic Commission imposed a one-year ban on Garcia from competing. The proposed exhibition fight with Anpo was expected to comprise no more than eight, two-minute rounds, with no official winner announced. Notably, Golden Boy Promotions had issued a press release promoting Tuesday’s news conference prior to De la Hoya making his statement on social media. Speaking at the news conference, Garcia indicated that the exhibition fight was his “only option to stay active.” He explained, “This is my only route, so I found a way. Obviously taking months off ruins you, you lose a step, so we’re going to see how it goes.” Garcia added, “From there, we’ll make a decision, I’m just trying to get in the mix of things after a long break, get used to training, stay in shape and just continue developing for a big fight in April.”