Ryan Garner set for St Mary's dream fight

The fight against the 31-year-old Italian will represent the fulfilment of a dream for Southampton local Garner, 28, who has stated from day one his ultimate ambition to fight at the stadium in his home city.

Another Southampton local fighting on the home stage is British light heavyweight champion Lewis Edmondson (11-1, 3 KOs), who will take on European champion Lyndon Arthur (25-3, 16 KOs). Manchester man Arthur collected his belt with victory over Brad Rea in November. The bout will be for the European and Commonwealth titles.

Ryan Garner (19-0, 10 KOs) remains on the WBC course he set out on in 2023 when he won the International title at York Hall with a third round stoppage of Juan Jesus Antunez.

The Piranha has since made successful defences of the belt against Liam Dillon, Archie Sharp, Salvador Jimenez and Reece Bellotti, adding the British, Commonwealth and European titles along the way.

Garner, who has fought twice closer to home in Bournemouth, is a huge fan favourite in the city and is an ambassador for the Saints Foundation.

Garner will fight at the home of his beloved Saints

Magnesi (26-2, 13 KOs) has previously held the WBC International title held by Garner before becoming IBO world champion in late 2020 following a fifth round stoppage of Patrick Kinigamazi. He successful defended the title twice before travelling over to Manchester to take on Anthony Cacace in September 2022, where the Belfast star prevailed via split decision.

Since that first career setback, Magnesi has won the WBC Silver title, lost it and won it back again in fights against Nike Theran, Masanori Rikiishin and Khalil El Hadri respectively.

Ryan Garner: “This has been my dream all along and now it is coming true. Frank promised me he would make it happen and he has always delivered for me right from the beginning.

“I believe this will be one of the biggest single sporting events ever to take place in the city and I know that I’ve got the Southampton people behind me. It will just be an amazing occasion, but I have got a job to do against a tough opponent so I can make sure we can do this again and again.

“I am thrilled that we are sticking to the WBC title and, when I win this one, the champion will have no place to hide.”

Garner will contest for the WBC Interim world super featherweight championship

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am personally delighted to be putting on this special night for Ryan at St Mary’s. I am extremely fond of Ryan as he has been with us since day one on turning professional at 18 and his talent and potential has always been obvious.

“It has taken a little bit of time to get to this point and through Ryan’s efforts and title successes, I can now deliver on my promise for him to fight at the home of Southampton FC, who have supported him tremendously.

“Winning this fight against Michael Magnesi is Ryan’s gateway to the big time and more major fights and massive occasions.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the staff and officials at Southampton FC for their help in making this happen for Ryan.”

Phil Parsons Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Southampton FC: “This is Ryan’s dream fight and one that means so much to him. He is a proper Saint who is so deserving of completing this journey from watching in the stands to the being the star of the show on the pitch.

“It’s a fantastic moment not just for Ryan, but for the whole city and region to come together and support one of its own on a truly special night.

“We’re honoured to host this fight at St Mary’s Stadium and hope it can be the first of many, bringing more major events like this to the city of Southampton in the future.”

Fans are encouraged to register their interest to gain access to an exclusive 48-hour window before tickets go on general sale. Full ticketing details coming soon.

Register Your Interest

A number of hospitality packages will be available, please email [email protected] if you are interested.