Former British, Commonwealth and European super middleweight champion Henry Wharton (27-3), 44-years-old, has returned to boxing by helping set up a gym in his home city of York. He retired in 1999 and the three losses as a pro were all in world title fights, against Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Robin Reid. Wharton got involved to help convert a former cinema into a gym and boxing venue.
He told BBC Radio York: "We're trying to put as much back in as we can. We want many good nights for all York boxing clubs around for years to come. Like the York Hall in London this can be the staging post for fights. We can do something for the city and for the kids. I've always loved the sport of boxing. There's a skill and art to it like most sports.
"There are many fighters I beat who won world titles after I beat them. That's a little bit sore to think that if I'd got that chance at that time - I still hold it a little bit in my mind that I was a little bit robbed. They got the world title shot before me. I've kept my hand in boxing. I've advised other fighters what to do and what not to do and I've been coaching in Ripon and Thirsk.
