Upcoming Boxing Match: Ryan Garner vs. Reece Bellotti
This Saturday, boxing fans can look forward to an electrifying matchup as Ryan Garner steps into the ring with Reece Bellotti at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). Both fighters will contest the prestigious British, Commonwealth, and European super-featherweight titles in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
Ryan Garner: The Undefeated Champion
Ryan Garner, currently the European super-featherweight champion, recently secured his title with a win over Salvador Jimenez in March. Garner is excited about the opportunity to become the first boxer from Southampton to hold the British, Commonwealth, and European championships simultaneously.
“It’s a massive opportunity for me,”
he expressed in an interview with BBC Sport.
“I have immense respect for Reece, but I believe I have the edge. This is undoubtedly my biggest test to date, and I need to bring my best game.”
At 27, Garner remains undefeated in his professional career and trains under coach Wayne Batten, close to St Mary’s Stadium, home of the Southampton Saints. His recent victories over notable opponents such as Liam Dillon and Archie Sharp have led him to headline this highly anticipated event in Bournemouth, a venue known for hosting major boxing bouts, including those of former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith.
Reece Bellotti: The Challenger
Reece Bellotti, although 34 years old and carrying five losses, has shown significant improvement since moving up in weight, recently achieving six consecutive wins that include British and Commonwealth titles. Following a notable victory over Michael Gomez Jr. in Manchester, Bellotti looks to challenge Garner and disrupt the home crowd’s expectations.
“I’m fully aware of the challenge ahead of me and won’t underestimate any aspect of this fight,”
Garner said.
“I need to stay focused; any slip could jeopardize everything I’ve worked hard for. I feel I’m improving with every training camp, and people have yet to see my full potential. My goal is to be the top fighter to emerge from Southampton, and I’m determined to make that happen.”
Promoter’s Vision and Venue Capacity
Promoter Frank Warren shares Garner’s ambitions, suggesting that if Garner succeeds against Bellotti, a world title fight could be on the horizon.
“This is a solid test for Ryan, and we’re looking for opportunities to host title fights at St Mary’s Stadium down the line,”
Warren noted.
The BIC can accommodate around 4,000 attendees, having previously hosted a packed house for Garner’s headline performance in March. The prospect of him fighting at St Mary’s, which holds 32,000, presents a potential milestone for both the fighter and the city. Warren emphasized the excitement surrounding this bout, predicting a dynamic fight that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.
“We’re essentially hoping for a thrilling night that showcases both fighters’ talents to the fullest,”
he added.
Conclusion
As the fight draws nearer, fans are eagerly anticipating the fireworks that Garner and Bellotti have promised, making this a must-watch event in the boxing calendar.