Ryan Garcia has big plans for 2025 after his current suspension from professional boxing concludes.
Former WBC titleholder Ryan Garcia wants a pair of super fights upon the completion of his ongoing professional boxing suspension in 2025.
Garcia, who hasn’t fought in professional boxing since his title fight with Devin Haney last year, will return to boxing in an exhibition bout against RIZIN’s Rukiya Anpo on December 30th. Anpo fought to a draw against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in a special rules bout in July.
Depending on the result of Garcia’s upcoming bout, he could potentially opt for one more exhibition fight before his suspension ends in April. He was suspended for one year after testing positive for Ostarine stemming from his win over Haney.
While the Haney rematch is potentially on the table for next year, Garcia wants to box former UFC champion Sean O’Malley, and the polarizing Jake Paul, as a part of a four-man slate.
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Ryan Garcia wants Jake Paul, Sean O’Malley after boxing suspension ends
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Garcia revealed 2025 plans to face Paul and O’Malley by year’s end.
“It could be against Jake Paul, we don’t know! He was trying to beat up on Uncle Mike, we said we would run it one day, I kind of gave birth to his boxing career. So, I’m here to end it,” Garcia said. “If I fought Jake it would probably be at 185, I think they genuinely think I’m probably too small. But like I said, I think skills pay the bills! If Jake fights the way he fought with Mike, I genuinely believe I would knock him out in four to five rounds.
“Sean O’Malley, he didn’t fight his best [at UFC 306]…I’m interested in it! He could make a run back, he’s a big star regardless. And he looked off that night, couple fights, he wins, and we can run it.”
Garcia teased potentially joining the UFC during his suspension, despite having no prior MMA experience. He’s previously teased a clash with Paul, who defeated boxing legend Mike Tyson earlier this month.
O’Malley has talked about potential crossover fights with Garcia and boxing champion Gervonta Davis. Garcia also wants to run it back with Davis, after falling to him by TKO last year.
Ryan Garcia eying Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney rematches
Garcia’s win over Haney was overturned to a no-contest following his positive drug test. He also missed weight ahead of the fight, excluding him from winning Haney’s WBC super lightweight title.
Before the Haney fight, Garcia knocked out Oscar Duarte in the eighth round last December. But, he’s winless in two of his last three fights, including the TKO loss to Davis.
Garcia began his professional boxing career 23-0 with wins over Javier Fortuna, Luke Campbell, and Romero Duno. The 26-year-old remains one of the brightest young stars in boxing today, despite his recent transgressions.
First thing’s first for Garcia as he prepares for his upcoming exhibition in RIZIN. After that, he has plenty of enticing options on the table for his highly-anticipated pro return to the ring.