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Ryan Garcia recently announced that he will be making a return to boxing in January 2025 with an exhibition match in Dubai. This bout, however, will not be a traditional professional fight but rather an exhibition against Jaber Zayani, a relatively unknown French lightweight. Garcia, who boasts a record of 24-1 with 20 KOs, is currently serving a one-year suspension following a positive test for ostarine—a banned substance. The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) issued the ban in June, stripping Garcia of his decision win over Devin Haney and changing it to a no-contest.
Despite the setback, Garcia remains a major draw in boxing and insists on his innocence regarding the doping issue. He accepted the penalty to focus on moving forward, even though it cost him his most significant win to date.
Who Is Jaber Zayani?
Zayani, 34, is an undefeated French lightweight with a record of 18-0 and 11 KOs, but he’s yet to make a mark on the global stage. Though he’s been a professional since 2012, his career has mostly been limited to bouts against low-profile opponents, with only two having winning records. Zayani has competed in various countries, including Canada, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and the U.S., though he’s had just two fights in the last five years. He remains unranked by major boxing organizations but has a substantial social media presence, with 161,000 followers on Instagram and appearances with icons like Prince Naseem Hamed and Manny Pacquiao.
In the lead-up to his bout with Garcia, Zayani will be appearing on a Dubai fight card on November 9. For Garcia, the exhibition match will be a way to stay active and connected to fans during his suspension, but it’s unlikely to impact his professional standing.
