A Southampton man with cerebral palsy has fulfilled his dream of having a charity boxing match in his home town.

On Saturday night, local inspiration Richard "The Killer" Kelly stepped into the ring for the first time.

The emotional event, Halloween Havoc, took place at Oasis Academy Mayfield and was hosted by Revolution Boxing Southampton in support of Reach Social Foundation, a Southampton-based charity helping adults with learning disabilities build confidence and independence.

Born with cerebral palsy and having undergone life-saving surgery at just 11 years old, Richard fulfilled a lifelong dream as he faced Revolution boxer, Jacob Rice, in an exhibition bout that raised £665 for the charity.

Richard Kelly from Southampton (Image: Submitted)

Jacob said after the bout: "Watching Rich's walkout had other plans for me - I was supposed to do a video, but the tears started flowing instead.

"Last weekend, I got the chance to make this young man's dream come true. You don't have to be in between those ropes to be a fighter. Richard fights every day, and I'm so glad it was me to make his dream come true."

The crowd's applause was deafening, but the emotion came from what the moment represented - breaking down barriers and proving that disability does not define ability.

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Steve Badger, CEO of Reach Social Foundation, said: "The recent exhibition boxing event demonstrated that perceptions of people with lived experience of a learning disability and autism are changing.

"At Reach, we are committed to creating opportunities that bring communities together through meaningful, inclusive and engaging projects. Saturday's event showcased what can be achieved when individuals are supported, encouraged and given the chance to shine."

He said: "Living with cerebral palsy and a learning disability, I never thought I'd have the chance to do something like this.

"But thanks to the incredible support from Reach and the Revolution Boxing family, I've learned that with the right people around you, anything is possible.

"Reach has always believed in challenging perceptions, changing the idea from 'they cannot do' to 'they can do'.

"Saturday night proved that the mindset is changing."

For many in the crowd, it was a powerful reminder of what determination and community support can achieve.