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Super-featherweight Ryan Garner is facing the “biggest test” of his career this weekend when he fights the undefeated Archie Sharp at London’s O2 Arena.
The 26-year-old boxer, nicknamed “The Piranha”, is also unbeaten with an impressive professional record of 15-0 – but his career path has been far from smooth.
A number of injuries have halted his progress and In 2017, Garner crashed into a parked car while driving under the influence of a recreational substance.
He was suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control, as well as being ordered to do unpaid work and given a driving ban by the courts.
“I got led down a wrong path,” Garner told BBC Sport.
“In the years since, this my daughter’s been born, and I’ve got another on the way, so that’s kept me so focused and grounded.
“I was very young at the time of that incident, and now I’m a lot more mature. I do everything for my family’s future now. If I didn’t sort my life out, then I don’t know what I’d do, so I’m glad I have.”
The Southampton man has focused on rebuilding his career, growing a fanbase in his home city, and continuing to impress in the ring with a string of wins, including eight knockouts.
Saturday’s fight comes on the undercard of a heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora in the capital.
Garner, who will fight in the O2 Arena for the first time, is defending the WBC international super-featherweight title he won by defeating Juan Jesus Antunez last August.
Sharp, 29, of Welling, in south-east London, is the latest opponent standing in his way and he boasts an imposing record of 25-0.
“It’s the biggest test for me by a mile,” Garner said.
“I think I’m coming into my peak now though, and I’m ready to start putting in the performances.
“After this fight, a lot of doors can open for me. I want to be on these big shows with the Saudis and Frank [Warren]. Those big fights come with big paydays, which can set my family up. It’s where I want to be.”
“The Piranha” is signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and is set to fight 10 rounds for only the second time in his career.
Garner is trained by Wayne Batten at a boxing gym next to Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium.
The fighter has made no secret of his love for his football team and is a regular at home games. For his last fight, he even customised his boots with the club’s crest and colours.
Garner was invited on to the pitch at half-time of a game to speak to the crowd about his boxing journey and show off his WBC belt.
“I’ve always said one day I want to headline and fight at St Mary’s,” Garner told the BBC.
“I look at it every morning when I drive past on the way to the gym; I want to be there.
“I need to get through Archie Sharp, and then that pathway is still there for me.”
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