Fast facts:
Age: 26
X: @piranhagarner98
Nationality: English
From: Southampton
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5ft 6ins
Record: 14-0 (8)
Division: Super-featherweight
Next fight: Garner hasn’t fought since August so he’s hopeful of returning before June.
BN: When and why you started boxing:
RG: Due to constant conflicts with my two older brothers and frequent fights at school, I made the decision to join Southampton ABC, a local boxing club, at the age of 10. Ever since then, I have remained dedicated to the sport.
BN: Favourite all-time fighter:
RG: Honestly, I don’t have a preferred fighter. Boxing isn’t something I typically watch.
BN: Best fight you have seen:
RG: Although I’m not an avid boxing fan, the Micky Ward-Arturo Gatti fight immediately comes to my mind as a thrilling and intense battle between two warriors.
BN: Personal career highlight:
Regarding my professional career, I consider my most significant accomplishment to be my most recent fight. I emerged victorious against Juan Jesus Antunez, securing my first ever title, specifically the WBC International super-featherweight title.
BN: Toughest opponent:
To be honest, as a professional, I haven’t faced any truly challenging opponents yet. Pedro Gomes, with his impressive record of 9-1, might be the toughest one I’ve encountered so far.
BN: Best and worst attributes:
RG: When it comes to my abilities, I would confidently mention my fitness and boxing skills, along with my capability to hold my ground and engage in a fight. As for weaknesses, I prefer not to disclose them, or rather, I believe I don’t have any worth mentioning.
BN: Training tip:
My top training advice would be to fully commit to every session, giving it your all, but be mindful not to overexert yourself.
BN: Favourite meal/restaurant:
To be fair, I enjoy all Asian cuisine, but if I had to choose, Chinese or Thai would be my top picks.
BN: Best friends in boxing:
Revised: In boxing, true best friends may be scarce, but I am fortunate to have a group of close individuals in my team who are all important to me in different ways. One person who stands out is my trainer Wayne Batten. We have known each other since I was 13, and ever since I made the decision to pursue boxing at 17, he has become a significant father figure in my life.
BN: Which other athlete would you like to be:
RG: I’m perfectly fine with being myself (laughs).
BN: What would you change about boxing?
RG: Perhaps we can enhance a few of the poor scorecards.
BN: Who would play you in a film of your life?
I believe actors of the caliber of Jason Statham or Brad Pitt would portray me accurately.
BN: Have you ever been starstruck?
Although I have never been fortunate enough to meet any famous individuals, I have certainly found joy in encountering a few notable personalities.
BN: Last time you cried:
RG: Honestly, I can’t recall. My wife even complains about me because I didn’t shed tears when our daughter came into the world!
BN: Something not many people know about you:
RG: I used to be a coin collector, but rest assured, I’ve discontinued that hobby (laughs).
