RYAN GARNER IS heading back down south for a super featherweight title collision with the unbeaten Spaniard Salvador Jimenez on Saturday, March 1, at the Bournemouth International Centre.
Garner, 27 and from Southampton, will be fighting close to home for the first time since 2017, but his travelling exploits have seen him build up a huge support-base with the backing of his local Premier League football club, whose St Mary’s Stadium is a matter of a two-minute stroll from his gym.
“I am thrilled to deliver a fight for Ryan at a location far more convenient for his ever-growing army of fans,” said promoter Frank Warren. “If there was an arena in Southampton we would have been there a long time ago, so our aim is for Ryan to continue building his genuine momentum in Bournemouth ahead of a huge occasion at Southampton Football Club, who are right behind him.
“People will know I have always been a big flag-waver for Ryan since he turned professional with us at the age of 18. It has taken a bit of time to reach this point and I now believe he is on the verge of realising his enormous potential.
“This will be a really tough test against Salvador Jimenez, an unbeaten fighter who has earned his title challenge.
“We have petitioned a sanctioning body for a major title, and fans should keep their eyes peeled for what will be in store for the winner.”
Ryan Garner (16-0, 8) became WBC International champion in August 2023 when he stopped Juan Jesus Antunez in three rounds. He successfully defended against former British champion Liam Dillon in May, winning via unanimous decision, before taking on his toughest test to date against world ranked contender Archie Sharp in July, repeating the method of victory.
Salvador Jimenez (14-0-1, 6), from Valladolid, became Spanish champion in March 2022, making a single successful defence, before winning the European super featherweight title with a unanimous decision triumph over Alex Rat in April 2023. His first defence against the undefeated Juanfe Gomez resulted in a majority draw last November.
