Former interim WBC lightweight champion Ryan Garcia has been forced to withdraw from his December 30 exhibition fight against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo, Japan, due to a significant wrist injury. The setback marks yet another twist in what has been a challenging 2024 for Garcia, who was hoping to close out the year on a high note.
According to a news release from Garcia‘s publicist, the boxer was examined by Dr. Steven Shin of Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles on Thursday, where it was confirmed that Garcia had sustained an aggravated bilateral wrist injury during his training camp in Dallas.
“I recommend that he hold off on sparring and boxing matches for several weeks,” Dr. Shin stated, per the release. “Treatment options will be discussed with Mr. Garcia after further evaluation.”
This development forces a postponement of the highly anticipated exhibition bout, with a new fight date now expected in early 2025. The announcement brings disappointment not only to Garcia’s fans but also to his promotional partners, FANMIO, RIZIN, and his opponent, Rukiya Anpo, all of whom were banking on a major international event to close out the year.
Ryan Garcia addresses injury
Garcia, who has faced both personal and professional hurdles this year, took to the press release to share his thoughts on the unexpected turn of events.
“I’ve been eagerly preparing for my upcoming exhibition fight in Japan, training hard in Dallas over the past several weeks,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately, I sustained a hand injury during training and returned to Los Angeles to be seen by the doctor, who has advised me to postpone my December 30 exhibition.
“This postponement is a temporary setback. No one is more disappointed than I am. Thank you for being so supportive.”