The 26-year-old fighter was retroactively banned from competing professionally for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) in June after he tested positive for ostarine in a pre-fight VADA test in the lead-up to his match with Devin Haney, also 26, though 'SuperRY' has announced he will be facing Japanese Kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, 29, in an exhibition match on December 30 in Tokyo, Japan.

The 'Demolition Man' previously had an exhibition bout with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, 45, in July, where he put on a strong performance that led to many thinking he got the better of the Filipino fighter.

In a statement, Garcia said: "I’m looking forward to knocking Anpo out for trying to knock out the legend Manny Pacquiao.

"Manny is past his prime, and for him to try to knock him out rubbed me the wrong way … I will knock him out and teach him a lesson of respect."

After this match, Garcia revealed he was also vying to get in the ring with Jake Paul, 27, after 'The Problem Child' defeated Mike Tyson, 58, at their recent bout at the AT+T Stadium in Texas last Saturday (16.11.24).

As well as his suspension from professional boxing – which lasts until April 20, 2025 – Garcia was fined $1 million by the NYSAC.

In July, the fighter was also banned by the World Boxing Council (WBC) from participating in any of the organisation's future events because of Garcia's use of discriminatory slurs during a livestream on social media.

Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the WBC, wrote on X: "Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organisation. We reject any form of discrimination."

Garcia later rebutted: "I was trolling, I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone, sorry if I offended you."