The opening round was fought at a fast pace, with Garner landing the cleaner shots and forcing Magnesi back at times. The second round was another busy one, with Garner backing Magnesi to the ropes on several occasions, while the Italian responded with punches of his own. The third and fourth rounds featured non-stop action, with both fighters throwing throughout.
The fifth round was fought at close range, and the sixth and seventh rounds followed a similar pattern as the tempo remained high. In the eighth and ninth rounds, referee Kieran McCann warned Magnesi for excessive holding.
The tenth round included several results, but the action picked up again during the closing stages. By the eleventh round, Garner appeared in front of the scorecards, although Magnesi continued to compete hard.
In the twelfth and final round, both fighters continued to trade until the bell, bringing an entertaining contest to a close. The judges scored the fight 116-112, 119-109 and 118-110 in favor of Garner.
The win adds the WBC Interim World Super Featherweight title to a CV that already includes British, Commonwealth, European and WBC International honours. Garner now moves into position for a potential future shot at full WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster.
Bradley Goldsmith points out Brad Pauls
In the co-main event, Bradley Goldsmith (16-1, 10 KOs) defeated Brad Pauls (21-3-1, 12 KOs) by unanimous decision to capture the IBF International middleweight title.
Goldsmith gained a slight edge during the opening rounds, with both fighters working primarily behind their jab. He took the third round despite a bloody nose and continued to enjoy success during the fourth and fifth rounds.
With a minute left in the sixth round, Goldsmith hit a look that sent Pauls to the canvas. Although there appeared to be some leg contact during the exchange, referee Steve Gray ruled it a knockdown and awarded an eight count.
Pauls produced one of his best moments in the seventh round when he landed a right hand that briefly rocked Goldsmith. However, Goldsmith responded well and regained control in the closing laps.
The judges scored the fight 99-90, 99-90 and 97-92 for Goldsmith.
Taylor Bevan Edges Ryszard Lewicki
Taylor Bevan (9-0, 8 KOs) earned a majority decision over Ryszard “The Polish Sniper” Lewicki (12-4-3, 5 KOs) after 10 rounds.
Bevan overpowered Lewicki in the opening rounds before both fighters engaged in several spirited exchanges in the third. By the fifth round, a bruise had developed under Lewicki’s right eye due to Bevan’s accurate striking.
One of Bevan’s strongest moments came midway through the seventh round when he landed a right hand that knocked Lewicki’s mouthpiece out. Lewicki responded well and remained competitive over the final laps.
After 10 rounds the decision was awarded to Bevan with scores of 97-94, 97-94 and 95-95.
Iman Zahmatkesh claims Commonwealth international title
Iman Zahmatkesh (6-0, 4 KOs) defeated Franklin “The Raging Bull” Arinze (10-2, 7 KOs) over eight rounds to capture the vacant Commonwealth International cruiserweight title.
The opening round was competitive, with Arinze receiving a warning for low shots. During the second round, Arinze received several punches to the head without drawing a warning from referee Bernard Oyet.
Both men traded heavy blows in the third round. In the fourth, Arinze scored the fight’s lone takedown with a combination that sent Zahmatkesh to the canvas for an eight count.
Zahmatkesh rallied in the fifth and sixth rounds, landing several strong flurries during the closing seconds of each frame. The seventh round turned physical as both fighters wrestled each other to the canvas before resuming action.
Midway through the eighth round, Zahmatkesh forced Arinze to the canvas during another physical exchange. Both fighters looked exhausted by the final bell.
Referee Bernard Oyet scored the match 77-74 in favor of Zahmatkesh.
