WBC interim super-featherweight champion Ryan Garner will fight former world champion James (Jazza) Dickens on 9 January in Bournemouth.

Southampton-based Garner, who is unbeaten across his 20 professional fights, will defend his interim 130lb strap for the first time since beating Italian Michael Magnesi in June at St Mary's Stadium.

Dickens, who has a record of 36-7, bounced back to winning ways with a decision victory over Ramadhani Kimwaga in September following his loss to Anthony Cacace for the WBA super-featherweight belt in March this year.

Cacace will take on Nick Ball in a defence of his WBA belt in December, while Emanuel Navarrete fights O'Shaquie Foster for the WBC, WBO and IBF titles on Saturday.

Garner won the European super-featherweight title in early 2025 before claiming the British and Commonwealth belts with a win over Reece Bellotti later that year.

'Delivers entertainment'

"In terms of ticket sales, Ryan Garner has become one of the most popular fighters in the country and he delivers entertainment every time," fight promoter Frank Warren said.

"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."

Garner's fight at St Mary's Stadium in June lasted for 12 high-paced and gruelling rounds as he outpointed Italian Magnesi with a classy display in front of 13,000 of his supporters.

Since that contest Garner has recruited his former opponent to his gym, with trainer Wayne Batten now looking after both fighters in Southampton.