Ryan Garcia in Rizin? Ariel Helwani sheds light on rumors of the boxer fighting in the Japanese promotion
Ryan Garcia has been in the headlines for a number of reasons over the past few months and was recently reported to be appearing at Super Rizin 3 on Jul. 28. Ariel Helwani shed light on the rumors and discussed whether the suspended boxer could even compete.
'King Ryan' is currently serving his retroactive one-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance following his bout against Devin Haney. Although the boxing star's suspension was in an American commission, it's unlikely that another commission would allow him to compete even if it is in another sport.
On today's episode of The MMA Hour, the Canadian journalist discussed the rumor of 'King Ryan' appearing in some capacity at Super Rizin 3, which is scheduled to feature Manny Pacquiao. Despite his suspension, Helwani mentioned that Garcia would be able to compete, as the Japanese promotion doesn't have to abide by an American commission's ruling. He said:
"If any commission in North America suspended someone, it doesn't matter what sport, the other commissions would honor it...If Rizin wanted to use him [Garcia], they don't have to honor or adhere to any commission in North America.
"So that could be a thing if he actually did fight and that would be insane. Again, it doesn't have to be MMA...But in North America, no, he will not fight for a year."
Check out Ariel Helwani's comments about Ryan Garcia below:
When will Ryan Garcia be eligible to compete again in North America?
Ryan Garcia was handed a one-year suspension for his positive test for a banned substance. In addition, he was also fined $1.1 million and his win over Devin Haney was overturned to a no-contest.
'King Ryan' was suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission. According to ESPN, the suspension is retroactive to his fight against Haney, so Garcia will be eligible to return on Apr. 20, 2025 as long as he passes a urine test.
Check out ESPN Ringside's tweet regarding Ryan Garcia's suspension below:
![Tweet regarding Garcia's suspension [Image courtesy: @ESPNRingside - X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/07/abe41-17212468731065-1920.jpg?w=500)