Southampton boxing is set for an exciting few weeks as the city hosts a rare professional show while it’s brightest young prospect steps back into the ring.

The O2 Guildhall is set for a night of action on Friday, September 21, blending some local up and coming talent with a few from further away.

Just over a fortnight later Ryan Garner is back after eight months out of action on a Frank Warren show in Leicester.

It is the start of what promises to be an exciting end to the year for Garner, with Warren aiming to guide his charge towards a title shot in early 2019.

Garner’s trainer, Wayne Batten said: “We had a very positive meeting with Frank Warren four or five weeks ago.

“He wants to keep Ryan really active this year with the aim that early next year he will be in a position to fight for his first title.

“Frank sees Ryan as being one of his A-list fighters and will continue to build him up and give him plenty of coverage on his bills on BT Sport and that will be the plan going forward.

“Carl Frampton used Ryan for sparring before his last fight and will probably want to do that again and he is off to Tenerife for sparring and training soon. There is also a plan to take Ryan to America to get him even more experience.

“All of this will really help him, along with fighting regularly too.

“It is really a case of working hard and keeping everything ticking along and improving for the rest of this year and then Ryan can move up to title level, which will be a terrific step forward.”

Batten is staying busy by also helping to put together a show at the Guildhall.

The likes of Harry Limburn and Rich O’Connor will get an outing in front of their home fans in what will be a welcome return of pro boxing to the city.

Also on the bill is Harlem Eubank, the latest boxer in the family dynasty and the nephew of Chris Snr.

“It will be a good little show,” said Batten.

“It’s hard to put on shows like this these days but hopefully people will come out and support.

“We have a lot of local fighters on there and also a few others who will be of interest to boxing fans and it promises to be a good night.”

The night is also set to feature the Roy Jones Jnr managed UBO world champion Shahin Adygezalov, Gelasius Taaru and Rick Little.

Tickets for the show on September 21 are on sale via the Guildhall website or their box office on 023 8063 2601.