Ryan Garner beats Michael Magnesi in grueling phone booth war

Ryan Garner won a unanimous decision over Michael Magnesi after 12 rounds of relentless inside fighting at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton on Saturday.

The hometown fighter took scorecards of 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109 to claim the interim WBC featherweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super featherweight title. Bad Left Hook had it 117-111 for Garner.

Garner outboxes Magnesi at range in close-quarters battle

Most of the bout saw Magnesi pinned against the ropes as both men traded hooks and power shots in tight. The 28-year-old Garner separated himself when he could find distance, while Italy's Magnesi proved game in toe-to-toe exchanges, sometimes fighting forehead-to-forehead with "The Piranha." The referee's patience was tested throughout as the rough nature of the fight produced borderline infractions from both corners.

Garner improved to 20-0 with 10 knockouts. Magnesi dropped to 26-3.

Promoter Frank Warren mentioned Anthony Cacace, O'Shaquie Foster, and Emanuel Navarrete as possible next opponents for Garner, telling Bad Left Hook that Garner would beat them all. The interim belt theoretically positions Garner for a shot at Foster, though mandatory orders in boxing rarely move quickly. Foster could land Garner if bigger fights with Shakur Stevenson or Navarrete fall through.

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• Bad Left Hook — Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi result: Ryan Garner wins phone booth war over Michael Magnesi