KEIGHLEY boxer Muhammad Ali was given a rousing send-off by several hundred supporters in Bradford ahead of his departure to the Rio Olympics.

Friends, family, fans and local dignitaries attended a function at The Venue on Sunbridge Road to wish the young talent good luck before he joined up with the Great Britain squad, who fly to Brazil tomorrow.

The 20-year-old former Bradford College pupil is bidding for glory in the flyweight category and said: “I’m so grateful for the support. I have quite a lot of fans with me and I want to do this for them.

“I’ve still got over three weeks until I actually fight but I’ll be continuing my training in Rio to get in tip-top shape.”

Despite being the youngest boxer in the 12-strong Great Britain squad, Ali is hoping to go all the way.

He said: “I’m feeling confident and training for that gold medal. I think I can beat anybody at my weight so why not?”

* Were you at Muhammad Ali's big Olympic send-off? E-mail us your pictures to bradford-sport@telegraphandargus.co.uk