"IT can be fantastic for the kids, a trip they'll never forget, and that's why I'm doing this."

So says York boxing legend Henry Wharton as he prepares for his rare reappearance in the ring tomorrow night - the headline-grabbing bout against Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott.

As revealed by The Press last week, Wharton, 48, is to bring back memories of his epic light-heavyweight world title fights with Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank two decades ago when he once again steps between the ropes for the showcase fundraising contest.

The fight with 45-year-old McDermott - an ex-Marine boxer and Great Britain international prop forward - is top of the bill at a ten-fight show at Wharton's Henry's Gym in Acomb.

The event is to raise money to help send young Henry's Gym boxers to the Hvidovre Box Cup tournament in Copenhagen, Denmark, next month.

"I went to Austria and Germany as a 16 or 17-year-old, and Jersey as well - I will never forget it for as long as I live," said Wharton.

"I was very lucky. Hopefully this can be something these kids will never forget too.

"It will be great reward for them, to be able to go away and represent the club and themselves.

"You build a rapport with your team, you box for yourself and for them, and it's all excellent character building.

"A lot of these lads wouldn't otherwise be able to do anything like this.

"It can be fantastic for them, and that's why we're doing this."

Wharton has been hit by a flu virus this week but insisted: "It won't stop me getting in there.

"I'm really looking forward to it. There are a lot of people taking part and getting up for it, and hopefully a few rugby stars will be down too.

"That will be great for the kids as well - being able to look up to people who've been a success in their sport."

Henry's Gym boxing club are a non-profit organisation but do not receive Government grants or funding, and by Wharton's admission they struggle day to day to keep going - hence the need for fundraising events and ongoing sponsorship.

They are seeking specific sponsors for the Denmark trip, which will see 14 youngsters and five coaches attend the Copenhagen tournament from March 18 to 20.

Sponsorship is needed for minibus travel, accommodation, flights, entrance fees, tracksuits and T-shirts.

Added Wharton: "From my own experience of overseas tournaments, I understand the importance of events like these in developing budding boxers into British champions of the future."

Anyone interested can email henry@henrysgym.co.uk or phone Amanda on 07543 636542.

Tomorrow night's event has admission on the door, tickets costing £20. The action starts at 7pm.