Ryan Garcia’s eight-round exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Rukia Anpo is back at this RIZIN and FANMIO-promoted event on December 30th in Tokyo, Japan. There is real potential for an upset in this matchup, with Anpo beating the highly rated Garcia.
The Garcia vs. Anpo event will air on December 30th at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT.
In the undercard, Curmel Moton (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Alberto Pagara (35-1, 24 KOs) in eight rounds at light heavyweight. Moton is seen as a future star in the sport.
Anpo’s Threat
Garcia could take a big hit in this fight if she looks bad or loses to Anpo. Even though it’s an exhibition, Ryan’s value could be lost if he gets knocked out or fights this rookie fighter.
Ryan-Anpoh is a classic boxer vs. kickboxer matchup that makes it interesting and difficult to predict the outcome.
Anpo has speed, size and power that Garcia hasn’t seen since his loss to Gervonta Davis in 2023, and he may not be able to handle that kind of fighter after his two bouts against Devin Hani and Oscar Duarte. The 29-year-old Anpo has more pop in his punches than Hanei, and could surprise Ryan if he’s not 100% ready for a fighter like this.
Anpo completely dominated the 45-year-old Manny Pacquiao earlier this year in their three-round exhibition bout on July 28 in Tokyo. It was a bad look for former eight-division world champion Pacquiao to be hit by Anpo as he looked like he might break out of the ring at one point.
Ring rust factor
Rian will have some rust. He is on an eight-month layoff since his fight against Devin Hani on April 20. Kingri may see this exhibition match as an easy payday, but Anpo is taking this match seriously and wants to impress his fans in Japan. He will have the home country advantage over Ryan.
B-side? Or Trap?
“It’s awful that he’s the B-side and not the No. 1 guy. I feel for him.” Fight with one of the world’s best stars. I do what I want. He has to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride,” Ryan Garcia said during the game Press conference in Tokyo this week, letting Anpo know that he is the ‘opponent’ and NOT the star in this fight.
“Get back and enjoy the ride.” Shut up. You have to stay where you are, keep quiet and do what you are told. That’s it,” Ryan said, cutting himself off when Anpo tried to talk.
