Boxing legend Richard Dunn is returning to the ring... to open a new boxing gym in Bradford.

The only Yorkshireman to fight Muhammad Ali returns to his home city on Monday to open the doors for a future generation of potential boxing professionals.

Mr Dunn, in whose honour the sports centre in Odsal was named, is a former European heavyweight champion who gave Ali all he had in a world title clash until he was knocked out in the fifth round.

While in town, he will share tips with young boxers at the new TFD Boxing Club, based in Bradford Council-run TFD Youth Centre in Broadstone Way, Holme Wood. The non-contact gym is equipped with punch bags, treadmills and rowing machines which will be used by groups of young people aged ten to 18-plus.

Joining Mr Dunn at the opening will be two other Bradford boxers, super featherweight and former British title challenger Femi Fehintola and light welterweight Nadeem Siddique, who will talk to young people and their parents about the sport.

Young people will be able to sign up on the night and membership will include taking part in basic skills sessions.

Youth worker Talish Butt, who helped set up the gym, said: “The boxing club aims to promote a level of discipline, fitness, concentration and respect with young people.

‘‘It is a way of encouraging young people who are not in education, employment or training to enhance their life skills. It will help them get rid of unwanted aggression, and give them something positive to aim for, while becoming better citizens and role models.”

Unemployed James Dutton, 18, of Holme Wood, who has joined the gym, said: “It keeps me motivated and it’s good for the estate as people can’t afford to go far. It will be a good way to encourage young people to take up sport.”

Councillor Michael Kelly, the Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said: “Physical exercise and learning a discipline like boxing can really help young people to boost their personal development and self-confidence.

“The ethos of the new boxing gym also reflects the district’s B-someone campaign.”

For more information about the gym, call Mr Butt on (01274) 432519 or 07979 454635.