SOUTHAMPTON — “If I lose on March 1, I have nothing,” Southampton’s Ryan Garner said.
‘The Piranha’ was speaking ahead of Bournemouth’s fight with Salvador Jimenez for the vacant European junior lightweight title on March 1, knowing that a win at the Bournemouth International Center could see him win at Southampton St Mary’s Stadium at Donton Football Club for his dream fight.
First, he must beat the Spaniard at 14-0-1 (6 KOs).
Three undefeated Southampton-born boxers are on the list, joined by Garner, Royston Barney Smith and light heavyweight Lewis Edmondson.
“It still feels great to be the headliner,” Garner said of the Bournemouth gig. “There are some great fighters here and to be at the top of a list that has great fighters, it’s mental. [Promoter] frank [Warren] He always said he would deliver on his promises, and he did. “
Garner, who has a record of 16-0 (8 KOs), spoke at today’s press conference in the dugout of St Mary’s Stadium and while he hopes to have a fight here in the summer, he warned: “There is a lot of uncertainty ahead. Something big could happen, but Jimenez is here to tear up the script and upset me.”
Garner is buoyed by consecutive 10-round wins over Archie Sharp and Liam Dillon, both fighters on the bill. Speaking about Jimenez, Garner added: “He is outstanding, fit and strong, but we will see the results on March 1.”
Jimenez didn’t have much to say but explained that it wouldn’t be frustrating if he won and told Garner to “don’t make plans just yet.”
“My mentality is very strong. I have been waiting for this day for a long time.” The tourist said. “I do it for my son and my wife. Once I get some ideas in my head, I’m all in.”
Heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce returns to action for the first time since a hard-fought loss to Derek Chisora last year.
“It’s great to be back and I’m ready to start the new year with a bang,” Joyce said. “There are a lot of big games after that. I’m excited for the program. I still have a lot to contribute to the sport. I love my job and it’s an exciting time right now and I love Get involved. Tune in and see where I am.”
Joyce said he will be keeping a close eye on the Feb. 22 fight between two of his former victims, Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, but he also said he heard Lawrence ·Okolie (Lawrence Okolie) called him.
“I’m interested in all these fights,” Joyce said. “It’s great to be a heavyweight now. I’m ready for it. I’ve been to the top twice; this is third time lucky.”
The March 1 bill also includes a 10-round bout between Archie Sharp and Liam Dillon. Sharp, looking to bounce back from the defeat against Ghana, called the always brave Dillon “a punching bag”. Sharp, who is 25-1 (9 KOs), said he stayed at 130 pounds for too long and is now 29 years old and has moved up to 135 pounds.
“I have to make a statement on March 1. I’m hungrier than ever,” Sharp said. “He steps up, he’s strong, he’s healthy and he’s got game spirit, so I’m looking forward to bringing out the best in Archie Sharp.”
Dillon said “the sandbags are going to fight back”, retorting: “I learned a lot from the loss to Ghana, [Reece] Belotti, me and my coach have been working hard on my weaknesses. “
Edmondson notched the biggest win of his career over Dan Aziz to capture the Commonwealth 175-pound title over Nigeria’s Oluwatosin Kojawa of Bristol .
“You’re going to see a devastating knockout,” promised Edmondson, 10-0 (3 KOs). “He’s a good fighter. From what I’ve shown, I don’t see anyone beating me.”
Kejawa, who remains unbeaten in his eleventh game, thanked Edmundson for accepting the match, adding: “It’s going to be a good game, he has the skills, but that’s what it is. I’m going to Show the world who I am. He’s got the power, the speed and everything. We’ll see on fight night.”
Barney Smith is trained by Ben Davison, a junior lightweight with a record of 13-0 (7 KOs), who said that, like Garner, he has The dream of boxing at St. Mary’s Stadium.
“It’s a big stadium; there’s good support here. I want to come here and put on a good show and get a big crowd here,” he said.
He also wants to tackle Archie Sharp in the future.
“I’m definitely going to fight Archie. No problem. It’s going to be a good fight. No problem,” he added.
Sharp responded: “I think it’s a bit cheeky [being called out by an up and comer]but ultimately, I’ve made it this far, and I take my hat off to anyone who wants to test themselves if he weighs 135 pounds. “
