Anthony Cacace vs. Ryan Garner - Who wins?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Warren eyes 'phenomenal' Cacace-Garner title clash

Frank ~Warren has opened the door to a "phenomenal" world title showdown between WBA junior lightweight champion Anto Cacace and Ryan Garner.

On Saturday night, Garner headlined the Queensberry Promotions show at St Mary’s Stadium and marked his dream occasion by claiming the WBC's interim 130-pound strap with a UD victory over Michael Magnesi.

O'Shaquie Foster is the WBC’s full champion at the weight having successfully defended his belt against Raymond Ford in Texas last month and, while Warren sees that encounter as an option, he believes a better fight lies closer to home.

When asked what is next for Garner, his long-time promoter told BBC Sport: "I expect him to fight for the world title or become world champion. I believe he has the ability to do that.

"We will see what happens, there are some great domestic dust-ups too with him and Anto Cacace. He's had his ups and downs too. That would be phenomenal.

"It's exciting times for Ryan, for Southampton and for British boxing."

Cacace, a two-time world champion, is the current holder of the WBA title following his unanimous decision victory over Jazza Dickens in Dublin on March 14.

Northern Irishman Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) has never had any trouble traveling throughout his career having beaten Leigh Wood in Nottingham, Josh Warrington at Wembley Stadium and winning the world title from Joe Cordina in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Now Warren says he will work hard to ensure that Garner’s next opportunity will once again take place at St Mary's, home of Southampton, which became the latest English football stadium to host big time boxing.

Warren said: "We're now looking for the full world title for him, we will work on that and hopefully bring that back here to St Mary's. I'm determined to make that happen."

Saturday night was also the culmination of a decade's hard work for both Garner and Warren, who first met when the former was just 17. It has been an up and down journey since then, including a suspension from the British Boxing Board of Control for Garner who pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of cocaine in August 2017.

But Warren, who stuck by Garner throughout, said: "I don't see it as a gamble paying off, I just believed in him.
"Life's not always going to be smooth, people have their ups and downs. What you've got to remember with boxers is they're young men and there are a lot of distractions you can get caught up in.

"But in boxing talent can only get you so far, you've got to have the dedication otherwise it won't happen for you. He showed tonight that he has it all."