{"id":628098,"date":"2026-06-08T20:36:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T20:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/628098\/"},"modified":"2026-06-08T20:36:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T20:36:15","slug":"garner-determined-to-ensure-southampton-boxing-event-is-not-the-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/628098\/","title":{"rendered":"Garner determined to ensure Southampton boxing event is not the last"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Garner, 28, faces Italian Michael Magnesi for the WBC interim world super featherweight championship on Saturday, June 20.\n<\/p>\n

\n Beyond earning a shot at world honours, Garner hopes to inspire a new generation of boxing fans and help breathe new life into the sport’s presence on the south coast.\n<\/p>\n

\n He is joined on the bill by fellow locals Lewie Edmondson and Taylor Bevan, and is eager to show promoter Frank Warren that Southampton can be a major boxing destination.\n<\/p>\n

\n “I’m a local lad, Southampton born and bred, and I would really appreciate everybody’s support,” Garner told the Daily Echo ahead of the big fight.\n<\/p>\n

\n \"RyanRyan Garner will fight for the WBC interim world title on June 20th against Michael Magnesi. (Image: Queensberry\/Leigh Dawney)\n<\/p>\n

\n “I want Frank Warren to come down here on the 20th, see the Southampton fans, see everyone giving it large, singing, making it the best atmosphere possible.\n<\/p>\n

\n “I want Frank to realise that he should come here every year so that when I’ve been and gone, and my career is over, the next influx of fighters can carry it on.\n<\/p>\n

\n “If you’re a football fan, a Saints fan, who knows, maybe you will become a boxing fan and come on the journey with me to, hopefully, become world champion.\n<\/p>\n

\n “Doing something similar to what Ricky Hatton did, taking 30,000 or 40,000 fans with me to America, would be the dream!”\n<\/p>\n

\n It makes sense that Garner is thinking about his next dream, as this bout against Magnesi, 31, will see him realise his lifelong goal of fighting at St Mary’s.\n<\/p>\n

\n The avid Saints supporter has been envisioning this moment for years, though he admits the true magnitude of the occasion won’t fully hit him until fight night.\n<\/p>\n

\n And this is undoubtedly Garner\u2019s biggest fight. Win this and he earns a world title shot and the chance to forever write himself into boxing history.\n<\/p>\n

\n “I think it will sink in when I walk down to the ring with everyone chanting ‘Oh when the Saints go marching in’ and singing my name,” he added.\n<\/p>\n

\n The Saints fans here to support one of their own Ryan Garner are getting vocal. An hour to go until #GarnerBellotti<\/a> #SaintsFC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/9rXllvh7iN<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

\n \u2014 George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) July 26, 2025<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

\n “Then a little bit of nerves will kick in, but right now there are no nerves. I’m feeling so confident that I will make this happen.”\n<\/p>\n

\n Garner cannot remember the first time he went to St Mary’s, but he does have memories of an early visit he can ill afford to repeat on June 20.\n<\/p>\n

\n “I remember going when I was really young, it can’t have been too long after we moved to St Mary’s, and I fell asleep for pretty much the whole game,” he recalled.\n<\/p>\n

\n “Over the last six or seven years, I’ve been going to a lot more Saints games. Thankfully, I’ve got a really good relationship with the club.\n<\/p>\n

\n “All those years ago, when I was younger, I never thought I would be in the position I’m in now. It’s always a pinch-me moment. I love it.”\n<\/p>\n

\n Garner is keeping an eye on WBC super-featherweight world champion O-Shaquie Foster, the man he hopes to face after beating Magnesi in SO14.\n<\/p>\n

\n However, he only allows himself to look into the future briefly. Garner knows he must remain fully focused on his Italian opponent, who has only ever lost to “world-level fighters”.\n<\/p>\n

\n “He [Foster] is talking about fighting Shakur Stevenson if he relinquishes it. Maybe I could go out there and fight O’Shaquie,” Garner continued.\n<\/p>\n

\n \"RyanRyan Garner wants to become the first world champion boxer from Southampton. (Image: Queensberry\/Leigh Dawney)\n<\/p>\n

\n “That would be something dreams are made of, but I’m not looking past this fight in two weeks. I talk about it, I’ll say something now about O’Shaquie, but then I forget about it.\n<\/p>\n

\n “After this interview is done, it’s full focus back on Michael Magnesi because he’s very strong, he’s fit, he comes forward. His style is very similar to mine.\n<\/p>\n

\n “I think it will be an exciting fight. It will be two people going at it. On paper, it’s the toughest fight of my career by a country mile.\n<\/p>\n

\n “But I believe I’m going to make it. His style is made for me, and I think I’m going to make it look good with the way I’m feeling.\n<\/p>\n

\n “I’m a big believer in destiny. I’m destined to fight at St Mary’s. I’m destined to win this title. I’m destined to become the first world Champion from Southampton.”\n<\/p>\n