In a surprising turn of events, boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has revealed that he will undergo surgery for an injured wrist, further delaying his highly anticipated return to the ring. The announcement came during RIZIN’s Decade broadcast, where Garcia addressed fans and apologized for the postponement of his scheduled exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo.
🚨 Ryan Garcia has sustained a wrist injury and the Rukiya Anpo exhibition scheduled for December 30th has been postponed pic.twitter.com/MnXMjKb8m2
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) December 16, 2024
Injury Setback and Surgical Intervention
Garcia, known for his lightning-fast hands and impressive 24-1 professional record, disclosed that he sustained a hand injury during his training camp. After consulting with medical professionals, it was determined that surgery on his right wrist is necessary. This development has forced the cancellation of his planned New Year’s Eve exhibition in Tokyo, disappointing fans who were eager to see the young star back in action.
“I suffered a hand injury in training camp to my right wrist right here, where after talking to doctors, I’m going to need surgery,” Garcia explained. The injury comes as a significant setback for Garcia, who was looking to close out a challenging year on a high note. 2024 saw Garcia face both personal and professional hurdles, including a suspension due to a positive test for Ostarine.
Determined Comeback and Unfinished Business
Despite the setback, Garcia remains resolute in his commitment to face Anpo in the future. With characteristic confidence, he assured fans that the postponement is only temporary. “Make no mistake, I am coming back to finish what we started with Anpo and he will eat his words, I guarantee it,” Garcia declared, setting the stage for an explosive return in 2025.
The boxing world will be watching closely as Garcia recovers from surgery and prepares for his comeback. The matchup against Anpo, while an exhibition, has garnered significant interest due to the clash of styles between the boxing prodigy and the accomplished kickboxer.
Garcia’s team, including FANMIO and RIZIN, have expressed their support for the fighter’s decision to prioritize his health. The postponement, while disappointing, is seen as necessary to ensure Garcia can return to the ring at full strength.
As Garcia focuses on his recovery, the boxing community speculates on the potential impact of this delay on his career trajectory. The young fighter has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity before, and many expect him to use this time away from competition to further hone his skills and return stronger than ever.
The rescheduled bout with Anpo, now tentatively set for 2025, promises to be an even more anticipated event. With Garcia’s bold prediction that Anpo will “eat his words,” fight fans can expect fireworks when these two finally meet in the ring.
As the boxing world turns its attention to other matchups in the interim, Ryan Garcia’s journey back to fighting fitness will undoubtedly be a storyline to follow in the coming months. His return in 2025 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in an already impressive career, potentially setting the stage for bigger challenges and title opportunities in the future.
