AFC Totton
SOUTHAMPTON-BORN BOXER RYAN GARNER will be at the Snows Stadium this Saturday to parade the European super-featherweight belt that he won at the beginning of this month.
Ryan, whose boxing nickname is The Piranha, is unbeaten in his first 13 professional fights. He faced Juan Jesus Antunes for the vacant WBC super-featherweight international title at York Hall in London in August 2023, which he won by stoppage in the third round.
He successfully defended his title with unanimous decision wins over Liam Dillon at the same venue in May 2024, and Archie Sharp at The O2 Arena two months later.
On 1 March this year, Garner defeated the previously unbeaten Spanish boxer Salvador Jimenez via unanimous decision at the Bournemouth International Centre to claim the vacant European super-featherweight title with all three ringside judges scoring the fight 120-108.
According to BBC Sport’s Dan George, “An inspired and determined Ryan Garner outclassed” his Spanish opponent, and Garner responded after the fight by saying:
“It’s the best feeling in the world. I always said I want another title and this is a massive major title, I’m over the moon.
“I can’t thank everyone enough, I told everyone to stick with me throughout my career and they did.”
The win extends Garner’s unbeaten record to 17 wins in his nine years as a professional and, according to promoter Frank Warren, could open the door to a potential world title shot, possibly at Southampton’s St. Mary’s Stadium — the football club that Garner supports and for whom he played in the youth team.
By Ben Rochey-Adams
