RYAN GARNER IS looking to turbo-charge his career prospects at York Hall on Friday August 18 with a maiden title success against the 12-1 Spaniard, Juan Jesus Antunez, live on TNT Sports.
The WBC International super featherweight title will be on the line in Bethnal Green when ‘The Piranha’ will be roared on by something like 250 fans from his home city of Southampton.
The 25-year-old has got a definite spring in his step following a stunning second round stoppage of Eduardo Valverde back in May, a performance that reminded ringsiders and TV viewers what a precocious talent he was considered when he broke through back in mid-2016.
Momentum, along with contentment, is now building for the Wayne Batten-trained 13-0 man, who became a father to baby daughter Harper earlier this year.
“Never been better, if I’m honest, everything is going well and I was straight back into training camp after the last one,” said the European champion as an amateur. “So I am just happy I have got a quick turnover and it is good to get on a little roll.
“I’ve been consistent and, even after the last one, my physique was still there, the abs were still there. The old me would have been a bit out of shape, but now my muscles are still popping!”
Prior to his Valverde destruction, Garner spoke of his wish to get people talking about him again and catch the attention of the boxing public. A couple of ripping body shots more than did the trick.
“Even in the commentary and the pundits, they had a lot of praise for me. I needed that because before I’d been, not forgotten about, but nobody was really talking about me.
“When I was 18, just turned over and looking good, there was a ring about my name. It went quiet on me and I had a lot of hiccups and bumps in the road, as well as not very good performances. The camp for the last fight couldn’t have gone any better, the fight couldn’t have gone any better, the whole thing. The praise I’ve had, it has set me up for the rest of the year.
“With a busy me you will see the best of me. I had the fight and, within two or three weeks, I had another date pencilled in, so I am getting on a roll now.”
And, with a WBC International title belt wrapped around his waist, Garner will possess significant currency to trade with.
“I am happy with any title, but this is a serious one and I think it gets you in the top 15 with the WBC. This is just a stepping stone, once you are in there it opens doors for you to bigger and better things.
“With a win I can start ticking off names and moving up in the rankings. Financially too, I am setting up my family so all round I couldn’t be more positive.”