Ryan Garner promises 'fireworks' as he bids to make history against Reece Bellotti this summer

Ryan Garner believes he and fellow domestic super-featherweight contender Reece Bellotti will serve up a treat for boxing fans when they lock-horns in a hugely-anticipated super-featherweight affair this summer.

The British, Commonwealth and European titles will all be on the line on July 26 where the winner will propel themselves towards a potential crack at a coveted world title.

Queensberry star Garner, who has won all 17 of his professional fights to date, holds aspirations of fighting at St Mary's Stadium - the home of his beloved football club, Southampton - but knows victory at the Bournemouth International Centre is paramount if he is to fulfil that ambition.

Speaking at the first official press conference ahead of the clash, the 27-year-old promised to deliver 'fireworks' in his bid to tee-up a lucrative stadium showdown.

"Obviously every British boxer wants to win the British title and he has got the Commonwealth as well, while I’ve got the European," he said.

I want to make history, I don’t believe anyone from Southampton has ever won the British, Commonwealth and European titles at the same time.

- Ryan Garner (Queensberry)

"Everyone knows I'd love to fight here one day (at St Mary's) but I am under no illusions, this is the biggest fight of my career, amateur or professional - I have to win.

"Reece is a very, very good fighter - he has got all my respect and, yeah, there will be fireworks on fight night, so be sure not to miss it."

Garner heads into the bout on the back of a convincing success over the previously unbeaten Spaniard Salvador Jimenez in March, but will undoubtedly have to step things up a notch when he takes on the heavy-handed Bellotti.

The experienced 34-year-old has endured troubled times throughout his career, including tasting defeat in three successive fights between 2019 and 2021, however, he has since reignited his career with a succession of statement victories.

"He's won six fights in succession now and his record as a puncher speaks for itself - he’s had nearly as many knockouts as I have had fights," Garner added.

"So he is a big puncher and I know that, but I know that if the Ryan Garner who I know is capable turns up, I know that I can come away with the win, but it will be the hardest fight of my career.

"I just think what I am capable of is more than enough to win, but it will be a tough fight."

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
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