A few days ago, it was announced that RIZIN will host an exhibition match between Ryan Garcia and Rukiya Anpo on Dec. 30 in Tokyo. However, it looks like Garcia’s promotion, the Golden Boy Promotions isn’t on board with it.
The promotional company sent out a press release noting that the company has exclusive rights to Garcia’s fights and that at this time, they have not provided their approval. The statement read:
“Golden Boy Promotions has exclusive rights to Ryan Garcia’s fights. The organizers of this event have acknowledged as such and have agreed in writing that our sign-off is needed for this event to occur. As no such sign-off has been given, as of today there is no event with Ryan Garcia.”
Garcia was last seen in action on Apr. 20, beating Devin Haney in a fight where Garcia missed weight and then reportedly failed drug tests following the bout. The win was changed to a no-contest/no-decision, and he is currently serving a one-year suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission.
As a result, the bout with Anpo, a former kickboxing champion, will be or was to have been an exhibition, similar to bouts RIZIN has done in the past.
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