SOUTHAMPTON boxer Ryan Garner vowed there will be "fireworks" when he fights heavy-hitter Reece Bellotti in Bournemouth this summer. 

European champion and 17-0 Garner is set to take on British and Commonwealth super featherweight champion Bellotti (20-5) for the belts. 

After a half-time pitch-side face-off during Southampton's final Premier League match of the season on Sunday, the two fighters returned to St Mary's.

Garner promised it is "not to be missed" during the launch press conference for the July 26 bout at Bournemouth International Centre.

Garner overwhelmed unbeaten Spaniard Salvador Jimenez in March, while Bellotti has 15 knockout victories and is on a six-bout win streak. 

"The belts look good, obviously, every British boxer wants to win the British and the Commonwealth that he's got as well," said Garner.

Ryan Garner v Reece Bellotti “Pier Pressure” launch press conference on May 28, 2025Ryan Garner v Reece Bellotti “Pier Pressure” launch press conference on May 28, 2025 (Image: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry)

"I've got the European, so I want to make history. Nobody from Southampton has ever won the British, Commonwealth and European at the same time.

"I'm under no illusion, this is the biggest fight of my career, amateur or pro, I know Reece is a very, very good fighter, he's got all my respect.

"It's going to be fireworks, I know that on fight night and be sure not to be missed. I think he's got nearly as many knockouts as I've had fights.

"He's had 15 knockouts and I've only had 17 fights, so I've got to be switched on at all times with him, but I know it's one I can win.

"Obviously, he's a big puncher but I know that if the Ryan Garner that I know what he is capable of turns up, I know I can come away with the win.

"It's going to be the hardest fight of my career and as he said, he's going to train accordingly and so am I. It's just going to be an exciting fight."

Watford's Bellotti added: "For me, Ryan is up there as my hardest opponent, I know others may look at Raymond Ford because he's a world champion.

"But there's no reason why I can't go and win the world titles and why Ryan can't also, and mentally every opponent I get in there, they're the hardest by far.

"The locals are going to be really backing him here and so they should. Listen, I'll be honest with you, I loved it, I thought it was hilarious.

"That sort of stuff I'm not that fussed in, I've been up north a couple of times, been in Manchester, Liverpool, been getting abused left, right and centre.

"It's just part of the sport and it's part of what people do when they back their fighter, and listen, I'm ready for that anyway."