Frank Warren exclusive on this weekend’s boxing: this is Ryan Garner’s time
Boxing returns to TNT Sport on Saturday night and Queensberry’s latest offering features two fighters who find themselves in must win situations. For all the latest fight odds, visit our sportsbook.
‘Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner has been touted as a potential star since he turned professional eight years ago but has hit roadblock after roadblock which have slowed his progress. Hall of Fame promoter, Frank Warren, has stuck by Garner throughout his ups and downs and has now presented him with the ideal opportunity to make his name.
“I think Ryan can stop him”
Should Garner beat former British super featherweight champion, Liam Dillon, this weekend, he will suddenly find himself in the higher reaches of the domestic 130lb division and on the verge of a major breakthrough. Garner is still only 26 years old and has a rare talent. Warren believes that there is still plenty of time to fulfil his vast potential and that he can start by beating Dillon on Saturday.
“I think Ryan can stop him. He’s had a bit of a gap in between his last fight and this one which isn’t ideal but I think he should have a bit much for this fella,” Warren told 32Red.
“All the expectations we had of him from day one, I hope he can come through now and show everybody what we all believe he’s got. He’s had his moments and when I think back, he’s promised, promised and promised. He was on the boil and then went back off. He’s been off and on and off and on. Now, he’s got his opportunity. This is his time. Will he do it? I think he will. I hope he does anyway.”
Former British middleweight champion, Denzel Bentley, headlines this weekend’s show in a make or break fight with his fellow world title challenger, Danny Dignum. Before turning in a lacklustre display and losing his title to Nathan Heaney last November, Bentley looked to be a fighter on the rise.
“Everyone’s wondering if he’s still got it”
This week, the heavy-handed Londoner spelled out some of the factors which contributed to his performance against Heaney; but the 29-year-old isn’t one for excuses. Bentley knows that he must win on Saturday night if he is to continue competing at a high level. Warren agrees.
“This is it. If he doesn’t win this fight, he’s gonna have a hard, hard road back,” Warren said.
“I think he’ll have to wait [for a title fight] but at least he’ll be back in the reckoning. At the moment, he’s in the position where everybody’s wondering if he’s still got it. Let’s be honest, we’re all wondering what he’s got left in the tank. We’ll see on Saturday.”
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