Boxing
Garner-Bellotti: How 'The Piranha' could get his chance to pounce on the big stage
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Ryan Garner returns to action this weekend as he puts his European super featherweight title on the line against British and Commonwealth champion at 130lbs, Reece Bellotti.
Garner has all but outgrown the domestic scene at super featherweight following unanimous decision wins over Liam Dillon and Archie Sharp. Another victory over a fellow Brit in Bellotti would cement Garner’s presence on the international scene, with ‘The Piranha’ defending his European title for the first time, live on DAZN.
Every fighter dreams of becoming a world champion, and for Garner, it appears a distinct possiblity based on his recent trajectory.
Already headlining shows in Bournemouth, the neighbouring town to his native Southampton, Queensberry Promotions believe the 27-year-old certainly has potential to fight for top honours, and here's how he could get his shot sooner rather than later.
Fight with Jazza Dickens set to be revisited?
At one point, it seemed that Ryan Garner would be facing James ‘Jazza’ Dickens at the BIC this summer, with the European Boxing Union (EBU) stating that the pair were in negotiations for a defence of Garner’s European crown.
Instead, Dickens was offered the chance to fight Albert Batyrgaziev out in Turkey, with many expecting the former Olympic gold medallist Batyrgaziev to win comfortably.
But Dickens was not content in just making making up the numbers as he stopped Batyrgaziev in the fourth round to claim the IBA and WBA interim world titles.
Currently, the WBA’s champion at 130lbs, Lamont Roach, has been campaigning at lightweight, first drawing with WBA 135lb titleholder Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and he is now planning a rematch with his American rival in August.
If Roach continues to fight at 135lbs, it is likely that the interim title will either be directly upgraded to full champion status, or Dickens will be first in line to fight for world championship status.
Victory for Garner over Bellotti could allow negotiations with Dickens to be revisited.
Garner’s ambitions of fighting at the home of his beloved Southampton FC, St Mary’s, would be boosted with a world title on the line. At 34 and towards the tail end of his career, a stadium fight would be financially lucrative for Dickens.
Frustratingly for Garner, that avenue may be closed based on current rankings. Rated in the top 15 of the WBC, WBO, and IBF lists, Garner is currently absent from the WBA’s rankings, and as such, ineligible for a title shot with the organisation.
However, the WBA will refresh their rankings at the end of July – currently they still list Dickens at number five and Batyrgaziev as their interim champion. If Garner beats Bellotti, the WBA could choose to lift the Southampton fighter into their top 15, paving a way for a shot at Dickens.
WBC belt opens doors for Garner
The myriad of belts each organisation sanctions can be quite confusing for boxing fans, but they also serve as a stepping stone for fighters. Ryan Garner has held the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) international belt since 2023, partly explaining the Englishman’s seventh-placed perch in the organisation’s current rankings.
That alone makes him eligible for a world title shot, but right now his profile is too low internationally to successfully petition champion O’Shaquie Foster for a fight.
(Mikey Williams/Top Rank)
The WBC’s international belt is viewed as the lesser strap compared to the organisation’s silver title, which at super featherweight is currently held by Italian Michael Magnesi.
With Magnesi ranked number three by the WBC, perhaps Garner would be able to challenge the Italian by putting his European title on the line.
Queensberry Promotions’ backing a powerful force behind Garner
Although they often get a bad rap, a boxing promoter can be make or break for a fighter. Frank Warren, head honcho at Queensberry Promotions, has vast experience in the sport, having established himself as one of the best promoters in the world when it comes to nurturing talents.
Currently a lot of attention is on Queensberry’s large stable of heavyweight contenders, but Warren certainly believes Garner has what it takes to become a world champion. In fact, the veteran of the sport believes a title shot will come the Southampton’s man way sooner rather than later.
Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
Warren told BBC Sport: "If Ryan comes through this then he's on the verge of fighting for a world title in my opinion.
"Reece Bellotti is a good fighter, and he's going to come into Ryan's backyard - this will be a test for him.
"I think we're going to get a bit of a barn burner as far as the fight's concerned. I hope he comes through it and if he does we'll be looking to get a title fight on at Southampton's ground."
Boxing promoters have a knack for predicting how the cards will fall, and Warren might be privy to an opportunity for his fighter if he comes through against Reece Bellotti.
Sold-out stadium show would make Garner a desirable opponent
Fights are made on a host of reasons, be it sporting merit, personal feuds, or financial gain. Whilst Garner has been working hard to make his own case for a sporting shot, he could tempt a world champion into a fight by promising a healthy gate for a fight.
‘The Piranha’ has made it no secret that he wants to fight at St Mary’s, with the stadium able to host around 32,000 people for a football match. With more fans able to watch on from the pitch, there is the possibility for a lot of money to be made – and money always talks.
It appears that Garner and Queensberry already have a plan in place if they are victorious at the weekend.
(Queensberry/Leigh Dawney)
In an exclusive interview, Garner told DAZN News: "The next stage after this really is world level, but I’ve got to get through this first. I can't look past Reece. He’s game, he’s trim, he’s a champion.
"But when I get through this, I’m one step closer to a world title and then a dream fight at St Mary’s Stadium. I’ll hope to potentially fight again at the end of next year.
"Then St Mary’s next summer is the plan. That is my aim. I want to be on the biggest shows, the biggest money. Wembley, Saudi Arabia, anything that’s happening."
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