Ryan Garner achieved a childhood dream in his hometown of Southampton with a dominant win over Michael Magnesi in an action-packed fight to claim the WBC “interim” super-featherweight title.
The 28-year-old was the aggressor in the early stages at St Mary’s Stadium and came out on top in a number of brutal close-quarter exchanges.
After 12 rounds of action, all three judges scored the fight in favour of ‘The Piranha’ – 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.
In holding the “interim” belt, Garner is now the number one contender to fight O’Shaquie Foster who holds the full WBC title in the division.
“If it wasn’t for the football club, the Saints fans and Frank Warren then none of this would be happening,” Garner told DAZN after the fight.
“It was hard work tonight, [Magnesi] doesn’t stop, he’s an absolute machine and I had to dig deep there at times.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out to support me today, this wouldn’t be possible without this amazing support.
“I want the biggest and best fights next, I want to earn as much money as I can for my family, but I’m so grateful to fight here – look at this crowd and atmosphere, Southampton’s the place to be.”
Garner made his way to the ring inside St Mary’s to a chorus of Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes, with more than 10,000 supporters roaring him on his way.
As his name was announced prior to the bout, Garner sported a stern look on his face, shadow boxing before raising his arm to salute the St Mary’s faithful.
Garner was on the front foot through the early rounds, stalking Italy’s Magnesi down as he applied early pressure.
The contest was fought at a high tempo – with both men happy to trade shots at close quarters.
Garner landed a straight one-two in the second round that earned a nod from Magnesi, who remained dangerous throughout the fight.
In the fourth round Garner landed a short left that snapped back his opponent’s head, earning a roar from the supporters who filled the floor and parts of three ends of the stadium.
Garner landed the more eye-catching shots throughout, maintaining a fast pace while delivering a high output.
The Southampton fighter had his most successful spell in the ninth round, landing a left hook before following up with consecutive shots that landed flush on the head of Magnesi.
But the Italian refused to let up, catching Garner with a big overhand right that momentarily stunned the hometown hero in the 10th round.
Garner managed to avoid any desperate shots from Magnesi late on before running off to celebrate in front of his fans as the final bell sounded.
Edmondson and Bevan impress in wins
It was a good evening for the other local fighters on the card who both picked up wins.
Light-heavyweight Lewis Edmondson outpointed Lyndon Arthur across 10 rounds to claim the vacant WBA international title.
Meanwhile unbeaten super-middleweight prospect Taylor Bevan beat the durable Ryszard Lewicki by majority decision.
The 25-year-old extended his professional record to nine wins, and was taken the distance in a fight for the first time since turning professional.
In the chief support, Bradley Goldsmith beat Brad Pauls to win the IBF international middleweight belt.
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