Ryan Garcia’s Comeback Confirmed; Set For Dubai Exhibition

Ryan Garcia will have an exhibition in Dubai next January against Jabar Zayani.

Garcia is currently serving a year ban after his failed VADA tests for Ostarine, which came in the aftermath of his victory against Devin Haney. Garcia dropped Haney three times to secure a shock majority decision victory. But the failed VADA tests turned it into a no contest, as he was given a year ban. Garcia was adamant that he did not take any substances intentionally, but strict liability meant that he was made to serve a ban.

There had been talk of a rematch with Haney immediately upon his return. Both sides had indicated their desire to run things back. However, since then, Oscar De La Hoya confirmed that Haney would not be the first fight back. The Golden Boy promoter talked up a potential fight against the WBO Junior Welterweight Champion Teofimo Lopez. However, Bernard Hopkins wanted Garcia to have a respectable tune up before he considers the other big fights. 

“I want to see Ryan get a respectable tuneup. He needs a high-end tuneup. Put him in with a respectable but still dangerous guy, and then move to the second fight against anybody in that weight division. He can show the world that you can get knocked down but get back up. This is a great time for him when April comes.I believe Ryan Garcia is ready for the top two or top four guys in that division,” Hopkins said

Garcia Vs. Zayani

Now it seems that Garcia will have a tune up. His opponent is a lightweight fighter, making Garcia a heavy favorite. That weight was one of the factors that Garcia had an advantage over against Haney. Ryan did not make the 140 pound limit. He came over three pounds heavier. While they both rehydrated well above 140, those extra pounds enabled Garcia to not over exert himself when he was trying to cut weight.

Zayani is also 34 years old, meaning Ryan has youth on his side as he is 26. Zayani’s record is 18-0 with 11 knockouts. However, this will be by far his biggest test. It is not clear how many rounds this will be for, however, it is designed to cut Garcia’s ring rust and earn him some money that he has missed out on by not being able to fight. It also allows Garcia to remain active without the need of the New York State Athletic Commission having a say. 

Nevertheless, there is a moral argument as to whether Garcia should be allowed to fight at all during his ban. Conor Benn received similar criticism when he boxed outside of the UK as he took on Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson. But he was prevented from boxing inside the UK while the investigation was continued. But given that Garcia has been out for so long, he will be looking forward to doing what he does best. And boxing fans have plenty to say.

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