Latest news with #superfeatherweight
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alycia Baumgardner vows to 'retire' Katie Taylor, wants fight in Ireland for pound-for-pound supremacy
Alycia Baumgardner knows all too well the importance of momentum in boxing. Three weeks after the 16th win of her professional career, and the undisputed queen at super featherweight is already looking to turn the page to the next chapter of her career. Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs) snatched the unbeaten record of Spaniard Jennifer Miranda (12-1, 1 KO) via unanimous decision in chief support of the third installment between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, and this spectacle in front of a sold-out Madison Square Garden has instilled a new hunger inside the 31-year-old. 'It took me a few weeks to watch the fight back, if I am being honest' Baumgardner told Uncrowned. 'I get like that sometimes — a little anxious to revisit it as I wasn't sure how good I boxed. But it wasn't as bad as I expected. I am a perfectionist in that sense — I have such high expectations of myself and knowing what I can achieve in this sport. 'I gave myself a B-plus on the night, but now the dust has settled I think it was a C-plus performance. But that's knowing myself how much more I have to show. She had that real grit and toughness of a challenger, so it required me to be on point. I was pleased how I was able to make adjustments and put into practice some of the things I have been working on with my new coach [Derrick James].' Baumgardner is no stranger to big crowds throughout her professional journey. A run of three wins in the United Kingdom saw her headline in front of big crowds in Sheffield, Manchester and London, but Madison Square Garden is, rightfully, in a league of its own. 'Fighting inside the Garden was something that I wanted to do ever since I went to the first Taylor and Serrano fight,' she said. "It's just incredible there — the history, everything. It was a real bucket-list moment in my career. But that's only made me more determined now. I want Katie Taylor as my next fight, and we can create something that's even bigger than her fights before. 'I respect Katie and her skills, everything she has done in the sport, but I also know what kind of athlete I am and the skillset that I come into this fight with. People may think that I am a few notches below where Katie is, but I know that isn't the case — I am at that same level, even one above. I know that everyone says that they want to fight her, but I am the only athlete that has the whole package that's able to beat her. 'Styles make fights, but I have the IQ, power, the punch combinations and am an all-round athlete — that's what a lot of the other women in the sport don't possess. They are not natural athletes like me, and that's something that Katie will have to deal with.' Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) has made no secret of her limited time left in the sport after defeating Serrano for the third time. The Irish superstar turned 39 in July and has arguably "completed" boxing. But perhaps there is something left on her to-do list that a fighter with Baumgardner's credentials could assist with. 'I'd love to fight her in Ireland,' she continued. 'I am not new to fighting in people's back yards. It plays to my strengths if anything — that underdog mentality is always something that I have thrived off. The pressure of fighting away from a home crowd has always kept me on my toes and enabled me to fight at my best. 'I obviously have so much respect for Katie, but I can already envisage how I beat her. She hasn't fought anyone like me before, and I think she realizes that. I am a different type of fighter completely, and I think my presence would get under her skin. 'I have got her rhythm locked down — I can picture it now. I know how she moves, how she moves her head; she's easy to read. She's great offensively, but there are so many holes in her defense that I know I will be able to capitalize on.' Under the leadership of Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, women's boxing is booming again after an 18-month lull following Turki Alalshikh's entrance into the sport. Taylor isn't signed to M.V.P., but was happy to fight on the Netflix-fronted platform in July, spearheading a plethora of female talent. Baumgardner sings the praises of Paul and M.V.P. co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, alluding to feeling like a 'partner' in this venture, rather than just another fighter on a congested roster. 'In an ideal world I would fight my mandatory first: Delphine Persoon (50-3, 20 KOs),' she continued, in what would be a rematch from their no-contest from September last year. 'I think that when I stop Persoon — something that Katie has failed to do on two occasions — then that will set the story perfectly for me fighting Katie. 'I don't know what she [Katie] is thinking, but it seems pretty simple to me — she isn't going to fight Amanda [Serrano] again, and there is no point in fighting Chantelle [Cameron] again. Fight someone new like me, so there is a new story to tell. 'It's a pretty simple equation. A fight between me and Katie would be for the pound-for-pound No. 1 spot and a chance for me to retire her. I don't overlook anyone, but I know what I am capable of.'
BBC News
27-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Garner stops Bellotti to claim domestic treble
Ryan Garner added the British and Commonwealth super-featherweight titles to his collection as he stopped Reece Bellotti in a dominant performance at the Bournemouth International 27-year-old European champion extended his unbeaten professional record to 18 wins with a career-best performance in front of a home dominated the contest and looked set to cruise to a decision victory, but in the final round came out sharp and managed to find the shots to stop Bellotti and force the referee to jump in. "I'm over the moon just buzzing," Garner told BBC Sport"I'm just a kid from Southampton living my dream and I couldn't be happier, it's the best feeling in the world. "I said that I want to make history and I believe I'm doing it, I have nothing but respect for Reece, he's a quality fighter and I was glad to be in there with a great champion." The first half of the bout was fiercely competitive, both men exchanging big shots and having moments of success as they wrestled for control of the fight. Bellotti's best efforts came in the sixth round as he swiped a powerful left hand across the face of Garner that stunned him in the second half Garner showed his quality, moving in and out of range quickly and proving too sharp for his opponent. He turned up the pace in the final rounds, landing a big left hook to Bellotti's jaw in the 11th and then throwing thunderous combinations in round 12 that connected and made Bellotti stumble backwards before the referee called a halt to the fight. Garner admitted afterwards that he told his trainer Wayne Batten he was confident he was going to win before going out for the final round."I went through the gears in the fight," Garner added. "I believe I won every round so I was confident with where I was, I was telling Wayne (Batten) that I've won this, going into the final round. "Earlier in the fight I hit him clean and he looked like he was going to go but he stayed in there, in the final round I just stuck it on him and was ultimately too much." There was a heavy Southampton FC presence at the BIC for the fight, with former player James Beattie and ex-Saints interim boss Simon Rusk ringside. Beattie was pictured stood between the two boxers for the weigh in and was one of the first to congratulate Garner in the ring afterwards. Victory for "The Piranha" now moves him to within touching distance of being able to achieve a dream and fight in his hometown at St Mary's Stadium, which could happen next summer after the footballing season has finished. "I'd die a happy man if I fought there," Garner said."I've done myself proud winning four belts and now another box I need to tick is fighting at St Mary's, it would be a childhood dream come true. "We'll see what comes next though, I just want the biggest fights with the biggest money to provide for my family. "My life is changing all the time and now I've got through this one I can buy a house, I've got two beautiful girls at home and my fiance I want to provide for, I'm so happy."
The Independent
25-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Former world champion backs Garner-Bellotti to emulate his own ‘war' in Bournemouth
Former WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith says it will be a 'great fight' between Ryan Garner and Reece Bellotti at his old stomping ground this weekend, predicting the Bournemouth International Centre to see another 'war' like his own fight against Isaac Chamberlain. Just like Billam-Smith's scrap with Chamberlain, both the European and Commonwealth titles will be on the line between Garner and Bellotti. Whilst perhaps lacking the pound-for-pound power cruiserweights boast, 'CBS' backs the two super featherweights to put on a dramatic show at the BIC, which will be shown live on DAZN. Bournemouth's hometown hero told The Independent: 'It's a great fight. Actually, I know Reece (Bellotti) quite well, as well (as Ryan Garner). He won the ABAs the year I was in it, but he actually won two ABA titles in the end. 'Very entertaining fighter, nice lad, lovely lad, exciting. 'Ryan's obviously an exciting fighter. I think they're very similar in the sense of their work rate and excitement. They always throw lots of shots, big shots, and I think the difference might just be that Ryan's a little bit more well-polished. 'An exciting fight for the fans – they are going to be in for a treat. I think this would be similar to my fight against (Issac) Chamberlain, in terms of the drama and how entertaining the fight will be.' Coming up to the three-year anniversary of the Chamberlain contest, Billam-Smith was still grateful for the opportunity to fight at the BIC, praising members of his team for finally getting a card staged at the venue. He restarted: 'I'm the person who's boxed there, but my team fought tooth and nail to get a show down to Bournemouth, and then obviously, Ben Shalom and BOXXER eventually did it with the Chamberlain fight and that was it. 'I think there's a lot of thank-yous to a lot of people that are to thank for that happening. Yes, I was the fighter, but the McGuigan family pushed really hard, especially Jake McGuigan. 'He put in so much work and promised that it would be a show. Then it was down to me and Isaac to do what we did. We were lucky that week with the weather. 'It's coming up to three years ago now, it will be this time next week, where we were all on the beach, weighing-in and whatnot. 'I think Jake did so much work and just pushed and pushed to get me down here, which is what we wanted for years.' Professional boxing returned to the BIC for the first time 34 years when Billam-Smith headlined a card in his hometown, taking on fellow Brit Chamberlain in defence of his European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles. What followed was an all-out war between the two 200-pounders, with the second round in particular a topsy-turvy slugfest. Billam-Smith did more than enough, all three judges scoring the contest 117-111, but combined the two boxers put on a proper show. Since then, boxing has become a staple at Bournemouth's premier venue, with Queensberry following BOXXER in organising shows at the BIC. Billam-Smith continued: 'Then obviously me and Isaac as well, putting on the fight we did. 'With the fans, I think that if that fight had been a messy fight or one that wasn't entertaining, it might not have been as good, it might not have been a buzz that we've had every time since. "The fans as well turned up and put on a show. So there's so many ingredients that go into it, but yes, I a bit of pride, a bit of honour that I'm involved in that, as one of the pieces of the puzzle, which makes it such a great place to box and continue to have shows at.' Having won his world title against Lawrence Okolie at the home stadium of his beloved AFC Bournemouth, Billam-Smith admitted that perhaps he had outgrown the BIC, which holds around 3,200 for boxing events. 'I think so,' 'The Gentleman' responded when asked if the BIC was too small for his fanbase. 'I think it kind of is the case. I mean, it sounds crazy to say - I've seen Oasis at that venue! It's mad to think. 'I mean, last time I boxed there against Masternak, it sold out four weeks early. 'So that shows how much it's grown and how much the fans are behind me down here. We've done the stadium as well, so that was a special night. 'It does seem that the venues down here, well the indoor venue that we have, the BIC is a bit small at the moment. 'Never say never, I could fight there again one day. But I mean, it's very nice to have that problem but at the same time, the stadium, you can't fight at the stadium every three to three to six months either. So it can be difficult.' Whilst Billam-Smith won't be returning to the ring on Saturday night, he will be in attendance at ringside in support of his friend, Garner, and is anticipating an electric atmosphere at the BIC. Having recently travelled to Madison Square Garden in support of gymmate Ellie Scotney earlier this month, 'CBS' believes that Bournemouth's boxing home may even rival the noise made at the historic venue, even if it is far smaller. He shared: 'Well, I was at the Mecca of boxing in Madison Square Garden a few weekends ago - the BIC's a little bit smaller, but the atmosphere is very similar, I will say that! 'But it's amazing. You can see the value in coming down to the coast, putting on shows at the BIC. We didn't realise it until we did it, but it's built for boxing. It really is. It's built for an amazing atmosphere, and that's what it gives you every time. 'I was there in March for Ryan's fight as a fan. Just a spectator, which was an absolute honour and pleasure to be that side of the ropes and just enjoy it for once. 'I had no ties to the show, I know Ryan and wanted him to win, but I wasn't watching my gymmates, where I'm a bit more nervous. 'I just got to be there and enjoy the atmosphere which I once boxed in, and see it on the other side, which is a real honour for me. 'Yes, I was the first one to do it, it's nice and we've done so many great nights there and I love that venue - I loved it before I boxed there. 'So even more so now, the nights I've had there, with the (Issac) Chamberlain war, the (Armend) Xhoxaj knockout, the (Mateusz) Masternak comeback. All those fights they've all been epic in their own right. 'It's great to see other shows there and I'm looking forward to going again on Saturday, then seeing another great atmosphere and seeing the show.' DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
BBC News
23-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Garner expects 'fireworks' in Bellotti showdown
European super-featherweight champion Ryan Garner has said that people can expect "fireworks" when he fights Reece Bellotti on two will meet for the British, Commonwealth and European super-featherweight titles at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). Garner goes into the contest having recently picked up the European title with a victory over Salvador Jimenez in March."It's a massive opportunity for me," Garner told BBC Sport."I can be the first person from Southampton to be British, Commonwealth and European champion, so there's a chance to make history."I have massive respect for Reece but I think I'm better. That being said, this is my biggest challenge by a mile and I'll have to be at my best."It's going to be a very exciting fight and I think we will both bring fireworks, but I'm convinced that I will come away with the win."The 27-year-old is unbeaten as a professional and trains in Southampton with coach Wayne Batten, just a short distance away from the Saints' St Mary's Stadium. Wins against Liam Dillon and Archie Sharp earned him the opportunity to headline in the nearby town of Bournemouth in March at the same venue former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith fought in three times. Garner and Bellotti's match-up has been tipped to be an exciting one because of their similar styles and attitudes in the men have been known to be in "tear-ups" and like to meet their opponent in the middle of the ring, inflicting a high and consistent output of have also both been recognised for having tremendous engines, not letting up or slowing down in previous 34-year-old Bellotti having five defeats on his record, since moving up in weight he has won six consecutive bouts, picking up the British and Commonwealth titles along the way. Bellotti comes into this contest off the back of an impressive victory over rival Michael Gomez Jr in Manchester, and he will be looking to silence the home supporters."I'm not taking this lightly at all," Garner added."I have to be switched on at all times because If I'm not then it could jeopardise everything that I have worked for, so I'll make sure that won't happen."I believe I'm getting better with every camp and I still think people are yet to see the best of me."I want to be known as the best fighter to have come out of Southampton. I believe I'm destined to fight at St Mary's Stadium and I'm not going to lose or let up on the way to that." Garner 'on verge' of world title fight - Warren Garner's promoter, Frank Warren, told BBC Sport: "If Ryan comes through this then he's on the verge of fighting for a world title in my opinion."Reece Bellotti is a good fighter, and he's going to come into Ryan's backyard - this will be a test for him."I think we're going to get a bit of a barn burner as far as the fight's concerned. I hope he comes through it and if he does we'll be looking to get a title fight on at Southampton's ground."Queensberry Promotions have put on stadium shows for some of their boxers before, with the most recent one a heavyweight showdown at Ipswich Town's Portman Road for Fabio Wardley. The BIC can hold about 4,000 seated people, and in March it was packed out for what was Garner's first major headline show. St Mary's Stadium holds about 32,000 seated spectators, plus more space on the pitch."It would be fantastic for Southampton and Ryan," Warren added."It would be a bit like what we did with Fabio in Ipswich and Josh Warrington in Leeds. There's nothing better than being in front of your own."Hopefully, we can get that world title for him down there. This is a tough test, but I believe he is capable of doing it."There'll be fireworks. It's going to be something special, and the pair of them are going to put on a fantastic night for the fans."
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Bellotti 'absolutely coming to spoil' Garner's party
Reece Bellotti says he is coming to "spoil the party" when he fights Ryan Garner in Bournemouth on Saturday. The 34-year-old British and Commonwealth super-featherweight champion will travel down to the south coast and compete for the chance to add Garner's blue and gold European strap to his collection. Bellotti has 20 wins and five defeats to his name but since moving up to the 130lbs super-featherweight division he has a perfect six out of six record, picking up his two titles along the way. "Both of our styles are very similar," he told BBC Sport."It's going to be nothing but a great fight in my opinion and I think everyone else agrees."But absolutely I'm coming to spot the party, I wouldn't be here for anything else."Bellotti will step into a packed Bournemouth International Centre where Garner cruised to a convincing unanimous decision win over Salvador Jimenez earlier this year. The build-up to their fight so far has been respectful between the two but "the Bomber", as Bellotti is known, has already had a taste of what the atmosphere could be like on fight night. The two faced off in Garner's hometown at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium, external a few months ago and Bellotti was on the end of some jeers and boos from fans of "the Piranha". "I've dealt with these kind of atmospheres already," Bellotti added."I've been on a few away days across Manchester and Liverpool before and I'm looking forward to the challenge."My mindset is that he [Garner] is the toughest opponent by a mile, others might look at someone like Ray Ford, who's a world champion, and say he is, but for me Garner is the top one and I've trained accordingly." New-found form since moving up in weight Last time out, Bellotti forced rival Michael Gomez Jr to retire after putting him down twice at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. That contest was originally supposed to take place in October 2024 but was put back to February of this year after Gomez Jr was taken ill on the night and ruled out of the contest by doctors. In the rescheduled bout, despite being cut over the right eye in the sixth round, Bellotti inflicted enough damage to Gomez Jr that he retired in his corner in the 10th. Before his switch to super-featherweight, Bellotti, from Watford, was defeated five times at 125lbs, between 2018 and 2021. But since then he has flourished at his new weight, claiming the iconic Lonsdale belt in 2024 with a victory over Liam Dillon."I believe in myself and I believe I can beat Garner," Bellotti said."People can write me off if they want, they'll see what happens on fight night, I learnt loads from my defeats and I'm better for it now."Mentally and physically I feel the best I've felt in my career right now, experience is key in this and coming up to super featherweight has really helped me, I've become more adaptable and grown as a fighter."
