Queensberry/Leigh Dawney

Ryan Garner will make the first defense of his WBC interim junior lightweight title against James “Jazza” Dickens on January 9 in Bournemouth.

The unbeaten Garner, 20-0 (10 KOs), claimed the belt in June when he outpointed Italy’s Michael Magnesi over 12 demanding rounds at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, where approximately 13,000 fans turned out to support their local fighter.

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Garner, who is based in Southampton, England, also enjoyed a successful 2025, winning the European championship before adding the British and Commonwealth titles with victory over Reece Bellotti.

He will now attempt to extend his unbeaten record against the vastly experienced Dickens, 36-7 (15 KOs), who returned to winning ways in September with a decision over Ramadhani Kimwaga.

That victory followed Dickens’ loss to Anthony Cacace in their WBA junior lightweight title tussle in March.

The January showdown comes amid significant activity at 130lbs. Cacace is scheduled to defend his WBA belt against Nick Ball in December, while Emanuel Navarrete and O’Shaquie Foster meet on Saturday with the WBC, WBO and IBF titles at stake.

Garner’s promoter, Frank Warren, believes the contest with Dickens represents an important step toward a full world championship opportunity.

"The event in June was a major success and we want to go back to St Mary's again in 2027 for an even bigger fight.

"First of all though, Ryan will be tested by a wily old campaigner in Jazza Dickens, a veteran of numerous big fights and one tricky customer.

"This will be the toughest test to date for Ryan and rightly so. If he is to become the world champion, we think he will be, then he needs to have the measure of Jazza and prove his readiness."