Former interim WBC lightweight champion Ryan Garcia has recently dropped a bombshell announcement, revealing his plans to make a surprise comeback in Dubai next January. The Victorville native, who is currently serving a one-year suspension from boxing, seems to have found a unique way to stay active and cash in on a lucrative exhibition bout against French boxer Jaber Zayani.
A Controversial Comeback: Garcia's Doping Scandal and the Dubai Detour
Suspension and Doping Scandal
The 27-year-old boxer's journey has been marked by both triumph and controversy. Last April, Garcia secured a majority decision victory over Devin Haney in New York, only to have his win turned into a no-contest due to a positive doping test. The New York State Athletic Commission imposed a $1.2 million fine and a one-year suspension on Garcia after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine.Dubai Exhibition: Sidestepping the Commissions
Despite the setback, Garcia appears to have found a unique way to stay active and engage with his fans. The boxer recently took to Instagram to share a post announcing his plans to head to Dubai in January 2025 for a "big event" featuring a musical performance and a boxing event with Jaber Zayani. The event is reportedly being organized by the Secrets of Eden, an event management group.Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
The rules and regulations surrounding the Dubai event remain unclear, but some sources suggest it will be an exhibition bout between Garcia and Zayani, who boasts an impressive 18-0 professional record. This arrangement may allow Garcia to sidestep the jurisdiction of the NYSAC and other American sanctioning bodies, which could have prevented him from participating in a professional match during his suspension.Fading Rematch Hopes with Haney
The possibility of a rematch with Devin Haney, the current WBC lightweight champion, seems to be fading, as Garcia's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has expressed a greater interest in pursuing a bout with Teofimo Lopez rather than revisiting the fight with Haney.Staying Active and Cashing In
Garcia's surprise announcement on social media has caught the boxing world off guard, sparking a flood of questions and reactions from fans. While the details of the event remain vague, it appears that the exhibition bout in Dubai is Garcia's way of staying active and cashing in on a lucrative opportunity during his suspension.Fan Reactions and Speculation
The announcement has generated a mix of reactions from fans, with some expressing confusion about Garcia's role in the event, wondering whether he will be fighting or performing. Others have jokingly speculated about the potential involvement of Devin Haney, while some have expressed their eagerness to see Garcia back in the ring.The Road Ahead
As Garcia prepares to return to professional boxing in April 2025, this exhibition bout in Dubai seems to be a strategic move to maintain his presence in the sport and potentially set the stage for a high-profile comeback. The boxing world will undoubtedly be watching closely as the details of this event unfold, eager to see how Garcia navigates the challenges and capitalizes on the opportunities presented by this unique detour in his career.
