European super-featherweight champion Ryan Garner is scheduled to return to Bournemouth in August. He will defend his recently won title in a significant summer fight.
Garner, aged 27, secured his title in March with a dominant unanimous decision win against Salvador Jimenez. This victory was the main event of a Queensberry Promotions show at the Bournemouth International Centre.
His promoter, Frank Warren, had hinted at a potential fight at Southampton Football Club`s home, St Mary`s Stadium. However, it now appears that the undefeated Garner (17-0, 8 KOs) will need to wait a bit longer to achieve that lifelong goal.
Instead, another event is being planned for Bournemouth, a town near his own city.
While Garner`s next opponent hasn`t been named yet, Warren confirmed in an interview with Dev Sahni that Queensberry will hold a show by the seaside in August.
Lewis Edmondson, the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion and another fighter from the South Coast, also mentioned to Boxing News that he might be part of the planned Bournemouth card.
As for a potential opponent for Garner, a challenging matchup against James ‘Jazza’ Dickens seems to be under consideration.
According to the EBU website, Garner and Dickens are currently in “private negotiations” regarding their possible European title bout. This suggests an official announcement could happen soon.
Dickens, a former world title challenger, caused an upset in February by defeating Zelfa Barrett on points. This reminded observers that he is still a strong competitor in the 130lbs division.
With his considerable experience, the 34-year-old Dickens would represent a tough challenge for Garner if they fight later this year.
