Above: Garner vs Salvador Jiminez at Collision on the Coast at the Bournemouth International Centre in March. Credit: David Clay

Queensberry Boxing returns to Bournemouth International Showdown on Saturday, 26 July for two of the most eagerly anticipated 130lb showdowns of the year.

Headlining the action, Southampton’s unbeaten Ryan “The Piranha” Garner (17-0, 8 KOs) returns to the BIC to challenge British and Commonwealth champion Reece Bellotti (20-5, 15 KOs) in a clash with major domestic and international implications.

Garner, the reigning European and WBC International super featherweight champion, looks to add the prestigious Lonsdale belt to his growing collection in what promises to be an explosive encounter.

Garner, 27, packed out the BIC in March with a dominant performance over the previously unbeaten Salvador Jimenez and is rapidly becoming one of the sport’s most exciting draws. A local favourite and proud ambassador for the Saints Foundation, his meteoric rise continued in 2023 with a WBC title-winning stoppage of Juan Jesus Antunez, followed by a successful defence against Liam Dillon. His win over Archie Sharp cemented his credentials as a world-level contender.

Bellotti, 34, known as “The Bomber”, enters the bout on a six-fight winning streak, having rebuilt his career with major wins over Aqib Fiaz, Levi Giles, and Michael Gomez Jr. The Watford native’s experience and power make him a formidable threat as he looks to defend his titles once again against an undefeated challenger.

Also on the card, rising star Royston Barney-Smith takes on fellow unbeaten talent Danny Quartermaine in a mouth-watering clash of undefeated prospects. With multiple titles on the line, the stakes are high and the action guaranteed.

“This is the fight to make in the super featherweight division,” said Queensberry Promotions Founder, Frank Warren. “I was delighted with how our first promotion in Bournemouth turned out in March, with a sell-out crowd at an absolutely terrific venue at the BIC. It couldn’t have worked out any better and I am very happy to be making a return visit in July.

“For Ryan, this is the sort of fight he needs to bring him up to, ultimately, world title contention, which is where we see his journey heading. We know Reece is a quality fighter with a strong following himself, and, most importantly, both men bring entertainment value for the fans.

“July 26 is most definitely a date to circle in your diaries, and it is a fight not to be missed.”

Pier Pressure Boxing: Garner vs Bellotti will arrive at Bournemouth International Centre’s Windsor Hall on Saturday 26 July. Tickets are available now from £52.75 at www.bic.co.uk