Ryan Garner captures WBC interim super featherweight title

Southampton boxer Ryan Garner secured the WBC interim super featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Italy's Michael Magnesi on Saturday night. The fight headlined a major boxing event at St Marys Stadium, the home of Southampton Football Club, in front of a hometown crowd of over 10,000.

Garner, 28, remained unbeaten and earned a shot at the full WBC champion, O'Shaquie Foster, with scores of 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109. The local fighter, nicknamed "The Piranha," started aggressively, pinning Magnesi to the ropes in the early rounds and landing significant shots. Magnesi, 31, showed resilience and had his best round in the fourth, but Garner regained control and delivered a powerful flurry in the ninth that nearly ended the fight.

The victory fulfilled a long-held ambition for Garner, a lifelong Southampton resident and former Saints academy participant. He entered the ring to local anthems and wore shorts bearing the club's crest. In his corner was long-time coach Wayne Batten, whose gym is located near the stadium.

Promoter Frank Warren had promised Garner the opportunity to fight at St Marys, a dream the boxer said he had manifested for years. Garner...