Boxing fans are buzzing with the news that popular boxer Ryan Garcia, along with his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, is facing a lawsuit that claims they pulled the plug on a highly anticipated fight scheduled for December 31, 2024, in Japan. This lawsuit, which was filed by Fanmio, has created quite a stir in the boxing community, especially with claims that Garcia’s injury may not have been as serious as it seemed.
What Happened?
Fanmio, an entertainment and pay-per-view platform, alleges that Ryan Garcia feigned a wrist injury to withdraw from the exhibition match against Ruikya Anpo, a fighter known for challenging big names. According to Fanmio’s claims, approximately $1 million was spent on promotional activities for the fight, which left them at a significant loss when the fight was abruptly called off.
Allegations of Sabotage
The lawsuit doesn’t just end with Garcia. It also points a finger at Golden Boy Promotions, accusing them of interfering with the fight plans. Fanmio claims the promotion company demanded excessively high fees to allow the fight to happen, which they interpreted as a sabotage attempt against the event. With over $1 million in expenses already sunk into the event, this situation raises major questions about how boxing promotions are run.
Financial Stakes
Fanmio is seeking over $75,000 in damages, arguing that their financial losses could exceed $10 million in potential profits because of Garcia’s pullout from the fight. Can you imagine building up a massive event only to have it thwarted at the last minute? After all the preparation, it sounds devastating!
Garcia’s Side of the Story
Meanwhile, Ryan Garcia has stated he genuinely felt that he was injured. In a statement made in mid-December, he apologized for the withdrawal and expressed that he couldn’t compete under his current physical condition. However, Fanmio is not backing down and questions the authenticity of Garcia’s injury, especially with rumors about his upcoming fight against Rolly Romero scheduled for May 2, 2025.
Controversy in the Boxing Ring
This lawsuit highlights a growing concern in the boxing community about contractual obligations and the potential for fighters to withdraw from fights and leave promoters high and dry. It raises an important question: should there be stricter rules in place for fighters when it comes to withdrawing from scheduled bouts?
Upcoming Fights
As fans remain eagerly waiting, both Garcia and Golden Boy are preparing for their future plans. Garcia is set to fight Rolly Romero, which adds another layer to this complicated situation as it unfolds. Boxing analysts and fans alike are tracking this issue closely, as it might influence the outcome of future matches and their promotions.
| Event | Date | Fighter | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Fight with Anpo | December 31, 2024 | Ryan Garcia | Canceled |
| Fight vs Rolly Romero | May 2, 2025 | Ryan Garcia | Confirmed |
With legal battles heating up, boxing fans and followers will need to keep a close eye on how this unfolds. Ryan Garcia has built a strong following, and they will be keen to see how he navigates through this turbulent time in his career. Stay tuned as we track the developments!