BOXERS who once crossed paths with the likes of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson will appear at a boxing event tonight.

The event, at the Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, will feature a talk by Joe Egan, former sparring partner of Iron Mike.

He fought more 500 rounds with the former world heavyweight champion and was said by Tyson to be the hardest white man he ever fought.

Brian London, who was knocked out by Muhammad Ali in 1966, will also appear at the event. During his career he fought Floyd Patterson, Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner.

Former world welterweight champion John H Stracey will also make an appearance.

The headline fight on the night will feature 27-year-old Wes Smith, from Romanby, in the first defence of his European Boxing Federation (EBF) British cruiserweight title.

Smith beat Ian Tobey on points at Gateshead Leisure Centre to take the title six weeks ago.

Tonight, he will fight Micky German, from Leigh, the second-ranked fighter in the division.

Smith, who came out of the Army 18 months ago after eight years in the service, now works as a boxing trainer at J&D's gym, in Northallerton.

Three young fighters, Matty Hill, Dan Gilbank and Liam Bowers, who train at the gym will make their debuts on the undercard.

"I have been training really hard, and I am feeling confident ahead of the fight," said Smith.

Gym owner John Derby said: "No one can touch Wes at the moment. The problem we are having is getting guys to fight him."

The EBF was formed in 2004 as a breakaway boxing organisation, and now has more than 2,000 fighters.

The first fight will start at 8pm. Tickets are available by calling the gym on 01609-760082. Prices begin at £30.