Garcia Denies Pulling Out Of Exhibition Over Weight Issues

December 18, 2024
2 months
Garcia Denies Pulling Out Of Exhibition Over Weight Issues

Ryan Garcia denied rumors he pulled out of his December 30 exhibition against Rukiya Anpo because of weight issues.

The exhibition was set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, at a contracted weight of 153 pounds. It would have been Garcia’s first foray into a boxing ring since his no-contest against Devin Haney in April. Garcia beat Haney via a majority decision, dropping him to the canvas three times in a brilliant performance. But the result was overturned after Garcia failed VADA tests for Ostarine. Garcia’s behavior in the Haney fight was then heavily criticized. He failed to make the 140-pound limit, coming in over three pounds. The fight still went ahead because Haney agreed to receive a $1.5 million fine.

But those three pounds were then used as a way to say Garcia had an advantage. Garcia is currently serving a year ban for the failed Ostarine tests, meaning he cannot enter professional boxing until April 2025. An exhibition would have kept him active and earned him a sizable purse. But Garcia withdrew after reports he had injured his wrist. The doctors advised Garcia to take some time off sparring, meaning the fight is likely to be rescheduled. However, Bill Haney was not convinced. He felt Garcia’s failure to make weight was the reason why the fight was canceled. Garcia has now shut down those claims. 

Garcia Reacts

“I saw Mr. Ryan Garcia on December 12 for recently aggravated bilateral wrist pain. I recommend that he hold off on sparring and boxing matches for several weeks. Treatment options will be discussed with Mr. Garcia after further evaluation,” Dr. Steven Shin stated

https://twitter.com/billhaney77/status/1869073119300006293

“Get off my [mind] Bill, you keep talking about me none stop. When you want your son to get dropped again let me know,” Garcia said

Nevertheless, there were other circumstances surrounding the fight. Oscar De La Hoya recently revealed that he would have to agree to the exhibition going ahead. The Golden Boy promoter said he owns the rights to Garcia’s fights globally. There was nothing at that point to indicate that Oscar had agreed for the exhibition to happen. Garcia and De La Hoya have previously been involved in legal troubles, with Garcia alleging a breach of contract. While they ultimately settled their differences, there are suggestions their relationship is not 100%.

Garcia’s Future

There is also an argument that Garcia’s team may have pulled him out to avoid any risks of injury. His ban is nearly over, so he will be allowed to box in four months to secure the biggest fights. He has already been linked with bouts against Teofimo Lopez, Errol Spence Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and even the Haney rematch. Garcia has also built a bigger social media following since the failed tests.

However, any chances of the Haney rematch happening will depend on a variety of factors. The weight is likely to be above 140 pounds. The negotiations are likely to be difficult if Haney wants more concessions given what happened in the first fight. But Garcia is ready for whatever smoke arrives.

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