A STONES throw away from where it celebrated one of its most prosperous nights at St Mary’s Stadium, Batten’s boxers are hard at work.
Wayne Batten’s prospects have taken inspiration from one of the city’s own, Ryan Garner, and are now aiming to replicate that success.
With a huge win at the home of St Mary’s Stadium under his belt, “The Piranha” is going strong, holding a perfect record of 20 wins and 0 losses. 10 of those victories coming via knockout.
Arguably his greatest night so far came on 20 June 2026, at Marching In: Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi, where the lifelong Saints fan fulfilled his dream to fight at the 32,384 capacity stadium.
His victory over his Italian opponent, who was subjected to only his third defeat in professional boxing on the night, secured Garner the WBC Interim Super-Featherweight title and put the whole profession on watch.
The sky is the limit for the 28-year-old, who boasts abundance of talent. But raw skill without guidance will always struggle to flourish.
It is no accident, then, that the orthodox boxer who has called The Glenmore Centre, Unit 8, home for two decades has been there every step of the way.
Boasting two stories dedicated to the art of boxing, Batten’s Boxing is the real deal. Run by Wayne Batten, a Southern Area British Boxing Trainer of the Year with over twenty years of experience.
But there is no time to rest and reflect, with Wayne Batten speaking on future high-profile fights he has in his sights.
“Obviously, I think Ryan (Garner’s) popularity and stock has risen from that and mine as well as his coach and manager.
“The gym meant my name and the team was obviously thriving over the minutes off the back of that and, you know, my goal now is to go back there next June and hopefully fill the stadium.
“It’s the first time that someone’s fought for a world title, even though it was only an interim world title, it was still the first time that someone’s fought for that.
“The feedback I’ve had from people that’s attended said, you know, what a fantastic night and hopefully it’s set up another big night next summer and, hopefully fill the stadium up.”
If Wayne Batten gets his way, the city of Southampton will soon be caught in boxing fever again.
