The Briton has reached new heights.
Last weekend, Ryan Garner faced Michael Magnesi for the WBC interim super-featherweight title in Southampton in a high-stakes showdown.
For Southampton-born Garner, it wasn’t just the title on the line but also the opportunity to make a childhood dream come true.
The 28-year-old walked out at St Mary’s Stadium under lights, with 10,000 local supporters creating a deafening atmosphere for the occasion.
And with the crowd on his side after a high-tempo clash, Garner came out on top.
Speaking to DAZN post-fight, he said: “If it wasn’t for the football club, the Saints fans and Frank Warren, then none of this would be happening.
“It was hard work tonight, [Magnesi] doesn’t stop, he’s an absolute machine, and I had to dig deep there at times.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out to support me today. This wouldn’t be possible without this amazing support.
“I want the biggest and best fights next. I want to earn as much money as I can for my family, but I’m so grateful to fight here.
“Look at this crowd and atmosphere, Southampton’s the place to be.”
After the full 12 rounds of action, all three judges scored the fight in favour of ‘The Piranha’.
What else was said?
Ryan Garner’s promoter, Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren, was asked by BoxingScene whether the performance reminded him of any past standout fighters.
Warren answered: “Ricky [Hatton]. I think Joe Calzaghe when he fought Mikkel Kessler… Same thing.
“There’s been lots of times like that. And it’s just great.
“But this is what I, as a promoter, love, working hard to make these events happen, and we do it as a team, all of us.
“We work hard. You’ve got to have faith in each other, and you work together. This is what happens.
“And we’ve done it with Carl Frampton in Belfast in the stadium there. We did it for him. Josh Warrington, in Leeds. I mean, lots of guys over the years.”
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