Ryan Garner Wins European Super Featherweight Title Against Salvador Jimenez

Image credits: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Ryan Garner has made history by becoming Southampton's first European boxing champion, defeating Salvador Jimenez to claim the vacant EBU European super-featherweight title. The Southampton fighter was victorious in a packed and loud Bournemouth International Centre, outworking and out-fighting his Spanish opponent to retain his WBC International belt and win the new blue and gold European title. After the contest, all three of the judges' scorecards read 120-108, securing Garner's unanimous decision victory.

Garner's win extends his unbeaten record to 17 wins, nine years after he made his professional debut back in 2016. He earned this opportunity to headline in Bournemouth after a points victory over Londoner Archie Sharp at the O2 Arena. Promoter Frank Warren said that if Garner was to be successful, a world title shot could come next, potentially taking place at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium, the football club Garner supports and for whom he played in the youth team. The European title win is a significant milestone in Garner's career, and he will be looking to build on this success in his future fights.

A packed-out arena welcomed Garner loudly as he made his way to the ring, backed by a big contingent of Southampton fans singing his name throughout. Jimenez walked to the ring to a loud chorus of boos from the supporters, while the home fighter's entrance was to the tune of the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' and loud cheers. 'The Piranha's' start to the contest matched the intensity of the occasion and atmosphere, throwing and landing more punches than Jimenez to both the body and head. Garner's speed and aggression proved to be too much for Jimenez, who could not deal with the relentless pressure and was ultimately outclassed by the Southampton fighter.

Earlier on in the card, British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Lewis Edmondson defended his title, beating Nigerian Oluwatosin Kejawa by unanimous decision after a dominant performance. Edmondson, known as 'The Saint', moves to 11 victories, remains unbeaten, and this win sets him up for a potential future fight with light-heavyweight rival Ezra Taylor. The Nottingham-based Taylor is also undefeated with 10 victories, seven of those coming by knockout. The match scores were as follows:

• Garner vs Jimenez: 120-108 (unanimous decision)
• Edmondson vs Kejawa: unanimous decision (scorecards not specified)

The event was a significant success, with a packed-out arena and a lively atmosphere. The fights were highly entertaining, with both Garner and Edmondson putting on impressive performances to win their respective titles. The future looks bright for both fighters, with potential world title shots on the horizon. As the boxing world looks to the future, one thing is certain - Ryan Garner and Lewis Edmondson are two names to watch in the world of boxing.