March 1 Battle: Garner Vs Jimenez In High-Stakes Clash For European Title

Ryan Garner is on the verge of something special. His boxing career is soaring, but his heart remains firmly rooted in his hometown of Southampton, where his beloved football club, Southampton FC, is struggling in the Premier League. But no matter how the team performs, Garner has his own dream—to bring a major boxing event to St Mary’s Stadium. And with every victory, including his upcoming Garner vs Jimenez showdown, he inches closer to making that happen.

Coming off a stellar 2024 with huge wins against Liam Dillon and Archie Sharp, the undefeated 27-year-old is now 16-0 with eight knockouts. Ranked 15th by both the IBF and WBC in the junior-lightweight division, Garner is looking to make his next big statement in the ring.

This Saturday, he faces the toughest challenge of his career: unbeaten Spanish fighter Salvador Jimenez. The two will battle for the vacant European junior-lightweight title at the Bournemouth International Centre. The venue is near his hometown, but it’s not where he ultimately wants to be. If he wins, he hopes this fight will be the stepping stone that finally leads to his dream event at St Mary’s.

A Crucial Fight That Could Define His Career

Garner knows what’s at stake. Jimenez, 29, has never tasted defeat, making this his most dangerous opponent yet. But Garner is ready for the challenge.

“This is my hardest fight yet, no doubt about it,” he said from an executive box at St Mary’s. “Frank [Warren] has given me this opportunity close to home, and I’m grateful. But now I have to do my part. If I win, I believe Frank will make my dream fight here a reality.”

Winning would not only secure him a European title but also position him for a shot at a world championship. Southampton has never seen a boxing spectacle at this level, and Garner wants to change that.

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Source: Ryan Garner wants win over Salvador Jimenez to bring stadium dream closer

Bringing Big-Time Boxing to Southampton

Unlike other major cities, Southampton doesn’t have a big indoor venue for boxing. The Bournemouth International Centre can hold around 3,000 fans, but Garner has his eyes set on something much bigger—a fight under the bright lights at St Mary’s Stadium.

“It’s only a 45-minute drive, but it’s not the same,” he said. “Bournemouth is great, but it’s not Southampton. Our city hasn’t had much to celebrate in boxing. We’ve had small shows at the Guildhall, but nothing on a massive scale. I want to change that.”

Southampton hasn’t produced many elite fighters in the past. One of the most infamous moments in the city’s boxing history happened in 1989 when Steve McCarthy fought Tony Wilson. In a bizarre turn of events, Wilson’s mother jumped into the ring and attacked McCarthy with her high heel, forcing a disqualification. Since then, local boxing has been quiet.

But now, Garner sees a shift. The city has a new wave of talent, including Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Lewis Edmondson and rising prospect Royston Barney-Smith. Together, they’re pushing Southampton onto the boxing map.

March 1 Battle: Garner vs Jimenez in High-Stakes Clash for European Title

Gaining Confidence After a Huge 2024

Looking back on last year, Garner credits his success to key victories that fueled his momentum. His fight against Archie Sharp was particularly meaningful.

“That was my make-or-break moment,” he said. “I knew if I won that, bigger things would follow. It’s put me in a position where I can fight for titles, make more money, and get the opportunities I’ve been working for.”

While his boxing career thrives, his other passion—Southampton FC—is going through a nightmare season. The team is in freefall, potentially heading for one of the worst points totals in Premier League history. Each week, they’re getting beaten badly, and fans have little hope left.

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“If this was boxing, the referee would’ve stopped them weeks ago,” Garner joked. “It’s painful to watch. Last year in the Championship, at least you went to games expecting a win. This season, you know you’re losing before the match even starts.”

Though he loves his club, Garner admits that between training and family life, he doesn’t get to attend as many matches as he used to. With two young daughters—Harper, almost two, and baby Harmony—his focus is divided between boxing and fatherhood.

“I used to go all the time, but now, with two kids under two, it’s tough,” he said. “I’m already missing so much time with them because of training. Leaving them to go watch football feels unfair.”

The Ultimate Goal: Headlining at St Mary’s

No matter where Southampton FC ends up in the league, Garner’s mission remains the same. He dreams of the day he can step into the ring at St Mary’s, looking out at thousands of hometown fans, ready to fight on the biggest stage of his career.

“I was born and raised here,” he said. “Headlining at St Mary’s would be the peak of my career. If I can make that happen, I’ll die a happy man.”

For now, he has a job to do—beat Jimenez, win the European title, and keep pushing toward bigger fights. With his skills, dedication, and the support of his city, Ryan Garner is getting closer to making his dream a reality.