Ryan Garcia has announced he will return next month against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo.
Garcia battered Devin Haney in April, but the result was overturned as the rising star had failed two pre-fight drugs tests.
He was subsequently given a ban from the sport for one year from April, so is unable to compete until the same month in 2025.
As a result, ‘King Ry’ has announced he will return in a keep-busy exhibition in partnership with Japanese promotion Rizin.
He will take on Japanese kickboxer Anpo in a contest of eight two-minute rounds in Tokyo on December 30.
Anpo will be a familiar name to fans, given he recently fought in an exhibition with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in July.
The 6ft star, who was Pacquiao’s tallest ever opponent, battered the 45-year-old who looked a shadow of himself in a lacklustre display.
He effectively dampened the former eight-division world champion’s plan to make a full comeback and secure a world title shot.
When announcing the fight, Garcia also elected to call out YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
He said: “Alright I’ve been quiet for some time but I’ve been cooking on some plans before my actual return to the ring.
“Here is the plan before April. Exhibition in December in Japan against the guy who fought aging Manny Pac [Manny Pacquiao] and tried to knock him out.
“And then go after Jake for uncle Mike [Tyson].”
Pacquiao took a beating by Anpo earlier this year[/caption]
Paul has been subject to a whole host of call-outs since beating heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the weekend.
He has been offered multiple world title shots including by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
But a fight with Garcia could certainly attract commercial interest, given both have emerged as two of the biggest superstars in boxing.
However, there would be a significant weight difference between the pair with Garcia set to return at 152lbs, while Paul fought at over 200lbs when beating Tyson.
‘El Gallo’ had previously criticised Garcia and insisted an exhibition between the pair could happen.
He said earlier this year: “I think it could happen, as an exhibition probably.
“I think he thinks he would win and I would love to just to deflate his little 130lbs. Maybe Netflix part two. His footwork sucks.
“The more I learn about this sport, he’s fast and quick and been doing it his whole life.
“But his feet are terrible. Flat-footed, stuck-a** fighter.”
Save 33% on DAZN ahead of Black Friday
*If you click on a link in this story we will earn affiliate revenue.
There are more than 150 boxing and MMA fights a year on DAZN, and you can get access for less if you sign up now:
- Head to the DAZN website now to take advantage of a third off all plans.
- One option is the annual pay monthly plan, which is reduced to £9.99 from £14.99 in the DAZN Black Friday sale.
- Or you could save more money if you pay for a year upfront, with an annual subscription reduced to £89.99 – the equivalent of £7.50 / month.
- Complete your purchase before 29 November to take advantage of the sale.
DAZN currently has the exclusive rights to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and will have Queensberry’s star-studded stable from April 2025, which includes heavyweight champions Daniel Dubois, Zhilei Zhang, Fabio Wardley and Moses Itauma.
