After beating Archie Sharp in the summer of 2024, Garner’s promoter Frank Warren handed him his first opportunity to headline a major Queensberry bill. <\/p>\n
He took the chance with both hands, beating Salvador Jimenez and Reece Bellotti in Bournemouth, across two shows, and picking up three belts along the way. <\/p>\n
The winner of Saturday night’s contest will become interim WBC champion and likely have a shot at full WBC super-featherweight title holder O’Shaquie Foster.<\/p>\n
The American recently defended his belt with a majority decision victory in Texas over rival Raymond Ford.<\/p>\n
For years, Garner has expressed his dream to fight at St Mary’s in front of his supporters – and now he is getting his chance, he hopes a big performance will catch the attention of the other world champions in his division.<\/p>\n
“I say it time and time again, I was destined to fight here,” Garner added.<\/p>\n
“I’ve ticked that box off now that it’s happening – and now I know I’m destined to win. The way I’m feeling now, how sharp and strong I feel, I know it’s going to be a clinical performance come Saturday night. <\/p>\n
“I want people like O’Shaquie Foster or any of the other world champions after this, I want the biggest fights possible and to accomplish the most I possibly can.”<\/p>\n
As well as being a big night for Garner on Saturday, there are a number of other local fighters on the bill fulfilling similar dreams.<\/p>\n
British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Lewis ‘The Saint’ Edmondson fights the experienced Lyndon Arthur for the vacant WBA International belt.<\/p>\n
Edmondson is looking to bounce back to winning ways after a first professional loss to Daniel Lapin by majority decision last summer at Wembley Stadium. <\/p>\n
Exciting prospect Taylor Bevan is also in action, aiming to extend his unbeaten record of eight wins, all by stoppage, since turning pro in late 2024.<\/p>\n