Ryan Garner set for WBC International super-featherweight title defence to Archie Sharp
Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner (15-0, 8KO) is all set to defend his WBC International super-featherweight title to former WBO #1 contender Archie ‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp (25-0, 9KO) on Saturday, July 27 at The O2 in London.
The battle of the unbeaten boxers will take place on the undercard of Joe Joyce vs Derek Chisora, promoted by Queensberry, live on TNT Sports.
Welling’s Sharp has seen his promising career stutter lately, reaching 19-0 from his pro bow in 2015 to 2020, then only managing to fight six times in the next four years.
In his last fight in May, he was surprisingly dropped early by fringe contender Facundo Arce, going down twice in the first round, but he was able to survive well to come back and score a knockdown himself in the third, eventually winning on points 77-73 after eight rounds.
Now 29, the south Londoner is looking for a big win to get him back into title contention. Ranked WBO #3, Sharp was once heading on a collision course with Oscar Valdez, as well as calling out the Emanuel Navarette for a shot at his WBO strap.
Southampton’s Garner is unbeaten since his pro debut eight years ago in June 2016, with eight early finishes from 15 victories.
The Hampshire man has stepped up in levels in his past two fights to stop Spanish featherweight champion Juan Jesus Antunez in August last year (TKO 3), then decisioned former British super-feather champ Liam Dillon unanimously in May.
The WBC International belt currently in Garner’s possession was once held by Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales.
Also on the card is the highly-anticipated rematch between Dennis McCann and Ionut Baluta for the vacant European super-bantamweight belt after the warriors fought to a bloody draw back in August 2023.