"It was my only option": Ryan Garcia on exhibition fight against Japanese kickboxer

Suspended boxer Ryan Garcia is set to face Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition fight on December 30.

On Tuesday, the two athletes held their first face-off and press conference. The exhibition bout will take place at a catchweight of 153 pounds, scheduled for eight two-minute rounds with 10-ounce gloves.

According to the controversial boxer, this fight is the only way for him to stay active during his suspension.

Quote: "Since I’m suspended, this is my only option to stay active. Obviously, it was just a tainted supplement, and those traces they found in my body… It’s pretty frustrating, but there’s nothing I can do about it now. I just have to go with the flow.

I’m doing this exhibition fight because it’s a big event, and to stay in shape for a bigger fight, to keep that rhythm going. This is my only path, so I found a way. I’m just trying to get back into the rhythm after a long layoff, get used to training again, stay in shape, and keep improving for a big fight in April. That’s what I, Golden Boy, and the whole team are planning. It all depends on how I feel," Garcia told BoxingScene.

Reminder: Garcia is temporarily suspended from professional boxing for a year after failing a doping test following his fight with Devin Haney in April.