THE district's biggest boxing fan finally met one of the game's all-time greats recently.

'Boxing John' Gethins has followed the fortunes of all the big names in boxing, and counts some of the best known British boxers as personal friends.

He has met Henry Cooper, Joe Bugner, Frank Tyson and virtually all the British and World champions from the 1950's to the present day, but one of the legendary fighters had eluded him. He had never met Jake 'Raging Bull' LaMotta, and with the legendary fighter into his 80's he knew time was running out.

When he heard LaMotta was visiting England, John knew it may be his last opportunity to meet his hero in the flesh. Through his contacts in the sport he was offered a VIP ticket to meet the man himself.

"I've met Ali and Tyson and virtually all the greats, but LaMotta is a living legend. When we met he was a true gentleman and remarkably fit for an 84-year-old," John said.

LaMotta, was born in the New York, and began fighting other kids for the entertainment of adults who would throw money to help pay the rent at home.

After turning pro he fought Sugar Ray Robinson six times with their last meeting being stopped after LaMotta took a huge amount of punishment.

His fame was sealed in 1981, when Robert DeNiro portrayed him in the Adacemy Award-winning film, "Raging Bull."

"He was a superb person to talk to and a real gentleman of the ring," John said.