EUROPEAN champion Ryan Garner is set for a Bournemouth return, this time to defend his newly-acquired super-featherweight strap in a sizzling summer showdown.
The 27-year-old claimed his blue and gold belt with a shutout unanimous decision victory over Salvador Jimenez back in March, headlining a Queensberry Promotions card at the Bournemouth International Centre.
But while his promoter, Queensberry boss Frank Warren, teased a possible night at St Mary’s Stadium – home of Southampton Football Club – soon after, it would appear that Garner, 17-0 (8 KOs), must now wait a short while longer before realising his boyhood dream.
Instead, another outing in Bournemouth – the neighbouring town to his home city – looks to be in the works.
And while an opponent for Garner is yet to be revealed, Warren has nonetheless confirmed in an interview with Dev Sahni that a seaside Queensberry show is slated for August.
British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Lewis Edmondson, another South Coast operator, also told Boxing News that he could feature on the planned Bournemouth card.
In terms of a likely option for Garner, meanwhile, it would seem that an intriguing clash with James ‘Jazza’ Dickens is on the table.
According to the EBU website, both parties are in “private negotiations” for their potential European title fight to take place, suggesting that an official announcement could be imminent.
Former world title challenger Dickens caused a sizable upset to outpoint Zelfa Barrett in February, reminding fans that he remains a sturdy contender at 130lbs.
And sure enough, with a wealth of experience behind him, the 34-year-old will represent a stern test for Garner should the pair lock horns later this year.
