BRADFORD boxer Richard Dunn will have a new road named after him – it has been announced.

At a meeting of Bradford Council this week Councillor Rosie Watson (Lab, Wyke) asked how Bradford will acknowledge the contribution of the boxer to Bradford once the sports centre that bears his name is demolished later this year.

The sports centre was closed late last year after the opening of the new Sedbergh Leisure Centre.

The Richard Dunn site, which was last used for the count in December’s elections, has been marketed by the Council, although no decision on its future has yet been made.

39 archive images of Bradford's Richard Dunn Sports Centre

Former heavyweight boxer Dunn was most famous for fighting Muhammad Ali for the world heavyweight title in 1976.

A response to Cllr Watson’s question from the leading Labour group said: “Once the centre has been demolished the site will be redeveloped a road on the new site will be named after Richard Dunn.

“In addition a photograph of Richard Dunn will be permanently displayed within the new Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre.

“We will also look at further options to recognise Richard Dunn and our other sports stars to ensure they are appropriately celebrated. as an important part of our shared social history and heritage.”