{"id":95796,"date":"2026-06-21T03:22:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-21T03:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fallsurfing.net\/firstnews\/garners-st-marys-dream-comes-true-with-dominant-win\/"},"modified":"2026-06-21T03:22:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T03:22:51","slug":"garners-st-marys-dream-comes-true-with-dominant-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fallsurfing.net\/firstnews\/garners-st-marys-dream-comes-true-with-dominant-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Garner's St Mary's dream comes true with dominant win"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Ryan
Ryan Garner (right) and his trainer Wayne Batten (left) have long spoken of their dream to host a boxing event at St Mary's Stadium [Queensberry\/Leigh Dawney]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

After 12 rounds of action, all three judges scored the fight in favour of 'The Piranha' – 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

"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.<\/p>\n

"It was hard work tonight, [Magnesi] doesn't stop, he's an absolute machine and I had to dig deep there at times. <\/p>\n

"I can't thank everyone enough for coming out to support me today, this wouldn't be possible without this amazing support.<\/p>\n

"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." <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Garner was on the front foot through the early rounds, stalking Italy's Magnesi down as he applied early pressure.<\/p>\n

The contest was fought at a high tempo – with both men happy to trade shots at close quarters.<\/p>\n

\"Ryan
Ryan Garner's unbeaten record stretched to 20 wins [Queensberry\/Leigh Dawney]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Garner landed a straight one-two in the second round that earned a nod from Magnesi, who remained dangerous throughout the fight. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Garner landed the more eye-catching shots throughout, maintaining a fast pace while delivering a high output.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

But the Italian refused to let up, catching Garner with a big overhand right that momentarily stunned the hometown hero in the 10th round.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Edmondson and Bevan impress in wins <\/h2>\n

It was a good evening for the other local fighters on the card who both picked up wins.<\/p>\n

Light-heavyweight Lewis Edmondson outpointed Lyndon Arthur across 10 rounds to claim the vacant WBA international title. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile unbeaten super-middleweight prospect Taylor Bevan beat the durable Ryszard Lewicki by majority decision. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

In the chief support, Bradley Goldsmith beat Brad Pauls to win the IBF international middleweight belt.<\/p>\n