YORK’S lord of the ring Henry Wharton has landed a heavyweight boxing coup.

Evander Holyfield, the ace American who has forged his own niche in boxing folklore as the only man to win the heavyweight crown four times, will visit Wharton’s “Henry’s Gym”.

Organisers of Holyfield’s speaking tour of England – he is to appear at York Racecourse on September 14, have agreed a further detour for the American star to Wharton’s gym in Acomb’s York Road.

Wharton, whose only defeats in a distinguished and title-laden professional career was in three cracks at the world super- middleweight crown, has urged York citizens to attend the gym to see the “legend” that is Holyfield.

Said York’s most successful pro boxer: “Evander Holyfield is a legend and for him to be in York and to come to my gym – well, that’s unbelievable.

“If you were to name your leading heavyweight boxers in the world, then he would be in the top five.

“So for my lads here to see him up close, that’s going to be unforgettable for them. And I would urge all youngsters and their parents interested in the sport to come and meet Evander Holyfield because as far as boxing goes then they will be in the presence of genius.”

Wharton revealed how he had met Holyfield several years ago during his fighting prime in Las Vegas.

“I was in awe of him then and could hardly speak and I think I’ll be exactly the same when it comes to meeting him again in the gym,” he said.

“We might never ever see him again. This could be his first and only visit to York so this is going to be a unique opportunity to meet one of the absolute stars of heavyweight boxing.”