‘Only popular saying my name’: Harry Garside rejects $100,000 to chase all-Australian blockbuster

Harry Garside has refused to discuss rising Australian prospect Ahmad Reda’s $100,000 bounty following his own hyped comeback triumph, stressing the young Sydneysider “is only popular because he’s saying my name”.

In a surprise reveal however, the Olympic bronze medalist has opened up on plans to earn an all-Australian blockbuster against either Liam Wilson or former IBF super lightweight champ Liam Paro.

Asked by Fox Sports Australia about his goals for the rest of 2026 and beyond, Garside also discussed chasing one of two Commonwealth straps previously worn by the likes of Aussie boxing legends Lester Ellis, Barry Michael and Hector Thompson.

Less than a year on from his emotional Olympic heartbreak in Paris, 27-year-old Garside enjoyed a successful return to the pros on Wednesday night in Sydney – needing just five rounds to finish tough Queensland prospect Charlie Bell.

While Bell was furious with referee Les Fear’s decision to call the fight, there was no doubting Garside was dominating his fight back since defending the Australian lightweight title three years ago.

While the Hordern Pavilion bout was contested at super lightweight, Garside added that he wasn’t yet sure about continuing to campaign there, or one division lighter.

Regardless, and in victory, the fighter refused to discuss fellow Aussie prospect Reda.

“Don’t know” Tszyu STUNNED by stoppage | 01:55

Earlier in fight week, the undefeated lightweight made headlines after he and manager Peter Mitrevski – who previously oversaw Garside’s career – offered the Commonwealth Games gold medallist $100,000 should he agree to switch opponents, and win.

Immediately, the offer was rejected, with Reda also losing his own fight on the undercard within 24 hours after failing to make weight.

Asked after Wednesday night’s win what he made of the drama, Garside replied: “I’ve got nothing to say about Ahmad.

“I’m focusing on my career.

“I want to fight some of the best in the country and I don’t even know if Ahmad is there.

“I want to be fighting people like Liam Wilson – amazing athlete, and good mate of mine.

“But he is also one of the best in the country.

“Liam Paro, another amazing athlete. I want to be fighting people like that.

“Ahmad is only popular because he says my name and he’s entertaining.

“But until he does something of value, he’s just popular because he’s saying my name.

“I want to fight the people who are doing something internationally.”

And as for how quickly that can happen?

“I don’t feel I’m there just yet,” Garside continued. “But I’m hoping over the next twelve to 18 months I can get to their level.

“They’re extremely good athletes and I hope I can be there.”

Despite missing out on a fight this week, there have been suggestions Reda could still challenge Billy Polkinghorne next up for the Australian lightweight title – with the winner then getting a crack at Garside.

Asked if he had any interest in reclaiming a national strap he initially won three years ago, and in just his second pro fight, Garside continued: “Of course. I’m one of the most patriotic people you would meet”.

Garside v Bell – Full Fight Highlights | 07:27

The fighter then added that he would also like to win a Commonwealth title, which several Australians have held at the lightweight and super lightweight level – including former world champions Lester Ellis and Barry Michael.

“I want to win the Australian title and, dunno why, but the Commonwealth title has always spoken to me,” Garside continued. “And then, of course, a world title.”

Elsewhere, the Aussie said he was happy with the win over Bell, which saw him suffer a nasty cut over the left eye from an opening round head clash.

“I was happy,” Garside said afterwards.

“Obviously a little bit nervous about the cut early on.

“But I feel like I made the adaptations, stayed on my feet when I had to, and then in the later rounds tried to find my distance on the inside and take a few more risks.

“It’s annoying to not get the knockout.

“We obviously want that.

“But we’re working on it, we’re going to build to something.”

Pushed on dealing with the cut, he continued: “Naturally as a fighter, I’ve been cut many times.

“Bloody southpaws, always get cut, especially in this eye.

“I’ve definitely been cut before.

“Haven’t had it for many years though but I feel like I just had to get back in gear and box nice and smart.”

Harry Garside punches Charlie Bell. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Garside said he wanted to use this fight to “set the skeleton” and then build, while also conceding he was not yet sure which weight division was best for him.

The Olympian also agreed he has work to do.

“Still not quite there for the knockout power,” he said.

“But all in all, I’m happy.

“The thing about the way I box, I have to be on for 100 per cent of the fight.

“(While) the people that I fight have to be on for one moment.

“So it’s always entertaining.

“Like you’re gambling with your life all the time.

“I’ve got to be on 100 per cent because if I get caught with one clean shot it’s over for me.

“I’m happy with how I boxed and we will build from here.”

And as for Bell being upset by the stoppage?

“I don’t really know who stopped it,” he shrugged.

“If it was his corner or the referee.