Peckham’s Johnny Garton can’t wait for British title shot
Johnny Garton will finally get his shot at the British welterweight title when he faces Gary Corcoran on October 20.The Peckham puncher has bided his time in waiting for a crack at the domestic belt as he did not want to face stable-mate and close pal Bradley Skeete.
But Tooting-born Skeete opted to vacate – on the proviso that Garton would box for the title.
Garton is on an eight-fight winning streak and only has a draw against Martin Welsh, who he stopped in his next bout, as a blemish since an inside the distance defeat to Sam Eggington.
In total it is 12 fights without a loss for the 31-year-old, whose record stands at 22 wins from 24 contests.
Wembley’s Corcoran has an 18-2 record but those reverses have been to top-quality opponents – both in the 11th round.
The first was to Liam Williams at super-welterweight in July 2016 and then when challenging WBO world welterweight champion Jeff Horn in Brisbane in December 2017.
Skeete has already defended the British title three times to win a Lonsdale belt outright.
“Me and Gary Corcoran were down to fight a final eliminator for the British title,” explained English champion Garton.
“Brad didn’t really see the point of defending it again and said he would vacate as long as I can fight for it.
“I wouldn’t fight Brad. We are team-mates and good friends. I’m just happy for the opportunity to go for it. When I turned pro, I was happy just to fight at Southern Area title level and I’ve gone way beyond it. So I’m over the moon with this.
“Listen, this is going to be a tough fight.
The two people he has lost to, one has been a world champion and Liam is one of the best British boxers and is the weight above and known for his punch.
I’m going to have my hands full, I’m really up against it.
He has boxed at a lot higher level than me and beaten better opponents than me, but I’m well up for the challenge.
“It’s a mix of styles which should make a great fight.
“I’d say my chances are 50-50 if not a bit more in his favour – he is younger and fresher. I could’ve done with the shot probably two years ago, I’ve been treading water.
But I’m very confident – I’m not going in there to lose. I think he’ll be surprised how strong I am. I will push him back and he won’t like that.”
Garton has never been one for cocky boasts. But that grounded approach has paid off so far.
“I ain’t one for talking a load of crap – I’m a realist and say it how it is,” he said.
“At the moment I think everyone I come up against is better than me but it gives me an edge to push harder and want it that bit more. I do want to prove people wrong. I feel like the underdog, whether I am or not.
“I get goosebumps just thinking about winning the British title. I can remember when I first started as an amateur around 18. I went to a professional show and saw someone win it.
It was beyond my wildest dreams to be able to lift that belt. In three weeks it could be mine.”
Garton has a 15-month-old daughter Elsie and gave up working as a mechanic to commit full-time to boxing.
“I don’t think this fight will make too much difference financially,” he said. “I’m living off my sponsorship and it has been a bit of a struggle.
When I was working before I was used to a constant wage and I could do a bit of overtime here and there, so it was more comfortable.
“Where I have not been fighting as much it has been tougher but I’m doing a job I love and very grateful for it.
“If I win this fight then it is all good because I am guaranteed fights – I’m then the hunted.
Everyone wants to fight you and you are getting good paydays. That would be perfect and I’d go on boxing as long as I can.”
Garton has boxed just once since December 2017, a routine workout win over Nelson Altamirano in June.
“I had to wait for Brad [to vacate] so I couldn’t do anything about that. When I was with Steve Goodwin, who I still think is a fantastic manager and promoter, where he did not have TV shows meant it was hard to get other international titles.
“I went with Frank Warren and he got me the IBF [international] title but then the show involving Billy Joe Saunders fell through and I couldn’t defend it on his last show.
“It’s just been a bit hit and miss.”
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