Ryan Garcia is set to make another big splash in 2024. The American boxer made his intentions known and hinted at taking on Rukiya Anpo when the two exchanged some words back in July in a boxing ring. Now it seems a deal has been reached that will see him cross the Pacific and take on the Japanese kickboxer.

The fight has received a date, which will see ‘KingRy’ making a comeback to the squared circle on December 30 in a PPV staged by Fanmio and Rizin. But what are the rules for the fight? Will Garcia, 26, put his professional record on the line when he enters enemy territory? Don’t worry, EssentiallySports has you covered.

What are the rules for Ryan Garcia vs. Rukiya Anpo?

The two fighters will square off under exhibition rules in Tokyo, with reports indicating the match will consist of eight rounds, each lasting 2 minutes. Since it’s an exhibition, the rounds won’t be judged, and there will be no official winner—unless, of course, someone is knocked out. But why the mix of an exhibition and a professional fight? Garcia, with a record of 24-1, remains suspended by the NYAC and is serving his ban, meaning he can’t participate in a professionally sanctioned fight until April.

What’s more? The fight will happen at a catchweight of 153 lbs, which could suit the former interim lightweight champion, as he struggled to make the weight of 140 in his last fight with Devin Haney. He came overweight, and since then, there has been speculation about him moving up. While many expected him to return to the ring, they didn’t expect it to happen in an exhibition bout against Anpo. So, the question currently is, who is Anpo?

What is Rukiya Anpo’s boxing record? Has he fought professionally?

Anpo, 29, is the famed kickboxer who competed professionally, even bagging the K-1 super lightweight championship and has even fought in the welterweight division. However, the Himeji native has since even made an MMA debut. His venture into the boxing world is fairly recent, as he has only fought one exhibition match, that too, against Manny Pacquiao this July, which ended in a draw. So, he has yet to fight professionally, and his current exhibition record is 0-0-1.

In this fight between Anpo and ‘PacMan,’ Garcia registered his presence in the audience, and when the fight ended, which Anpo dominated, Garcia stormed into the boxing ring, issuing a challenge to him. He declared, “I wanna fight in Japan… I’d knock out Anpo in three rounds.” That’s the reason we have Anpo vs. Garcia scheduled next. This could set the momentum for the Victorville native for a professional fight next year. Meanwhile, Anpo could expect a high payday.

What do you make of this coming fight between Ryan Garcia and Rukiya Anpo? Who do you think will dominate the fight? Let us know in the comments below.