BOXING legend Thomas 'Hitman' Hearns will make a special visit to Stirk House in Gisburn later this month.

Hearns is regarded as one of the greats of the sport after becoming the first fighter to win world titles in five different weight divisions, and had memorable battles with Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard in the 1980s.

The 56-year-old is touring England this month and will meet and greet the public at Stirk House on Monday, November 17 at 7pm.

Hearns will also speak to the boxers who train at the Gisburn gym - including Blackburn's Qasim Niaz as he prepares for his latest fight at King George's Hall on November 22.

Keighley heavyweight Ben Chapman will make his professional debut on that bill, while Alex McCloy and Yassine El Maachi - the former Prizefighter winner who is on his way back from a serious knee injury sustained chasing a squirrel up a tree - are also due to be present when Hearns arrives.

Kevin Maree, who runs the Stirk House gym, said: "He's coming to meet the lads.

"I've told Qasim about it and he's really excited about it and the chance to have a private lesson, a one to one with him.

"The public will be able to meet him for free too.

"It's phenomenal the names we've had in this little ring in Gisburn. It's like a who's who of boxing.

"Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Carl Froch, Roy Jones, they're living legends.

"Thomas Hearns is one of the few I've not met before but Hagler-Hearns is etched into every boxing fan's memories as one of the greatest fights of all time.

"I'll put that fight on in the gym beforehand to get the lads even more excited about meeting him."

Members of the public are welcome to visit the gym and meet Hearns for free, while a photographer will also be on hand to take professional pictures with the American for £20 each.

Stirk House will also welcome former world heavyweight champion Haye for a dinner on February 21, with further details to be announced at a later date.