RYAN GARCIA is in talks to fight Manny Pacquiao in an exhibition bout in Japan – despite being under a drugs ban.

Garcia first beat American Devin Haney in April by knocking him out three times in New York.

But the result was overturned to a no contest after the controversial star tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine.

Garcia has been suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission – which came into effect in April.

But he is still considering a return to the ring before the ban expires.

Boxing icon Pacquiao took on kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo in three rounds in Tokyo – with Garcia looking on.

The fight went to a no-contest and Garcia stormed into the ring after the fight to interrupt interviews and call out Pacquiao and Anpo.

And SunSport understands that Rizin – who are welcoming PacMan back to the ring – have held talks with Garcia.

And an exhibition with Pacquiao has been discussed – with both eager and on board.

Although Garcia is eight months away from having his NYSAC ban lifted.

But Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara is not concerned about the NYSAC preventing Garcia from returning in an unsanctioned exhibition.

Sakakibara told SunSport: “I don’t think they will. Because if it happens, it will be an unofficial fight.

“If this unofficial fight is in Rizin, Japan, I believe the New York State Athletic Commission will have no reason to stop Ryan.”

Rizin has twice organised exhibition fights for Floyd Mayweather, 47, and most recently Pacquiao, 45.

Garcia, 25, has maintained his innocence after testing positive for the banned substance Ostarine.

He had tested clean in the build-up to the fight with Haney, 25, but Ostarine was found in samples taken during the week of the fight.

Garcia accepted the suspension but blamed the positive test on a contaminated supplement.

Ostarine is known for its muscle-enhancing effects and was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Garcia has also faced further trouble outside the ring after being arrested in Los Angeles for vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

He was also expelled from the WBC after a series of racist social media posts targeting black people and Muslims.

After Garcia was arrested at the hotel, his lawyer Darin T Chavez suggested the troubled boxer was dealing with his mother’s cancer diagnosis.

“Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health for many years and is currently facing a huge emotional burden,” she said in a statement.

“The support and understanding of his fans and the public is vital as he navigates these personal challenges. We are working hard to provide Ryan with the resources he needs.”

“Our team is committed to ensuring he receives the appropriate help and care to address both his immediate and long-term health issues.

“We ask for everyone’s continued support and understanding as Ryan focuses on his family and health at this time.”

Meanwhile, Pacquiao retired in 2021 but has hinted at a return to challenge for the WBC welterweight title.

But after struggling for three rounds against Anpo, 28, fans have called for him to hang up his gloves for good.