BOXING legend Barry McGuigan proved a knockout attraction when he officially opened the Golden Ring Boxing Club in Southampton.

Hundreds of fans crammed into Mansel Park Pavilion in Millbrook to meet the former world featherweight champion as he unveiled a plaque in honour of the club's founder Freddie Potter.

Freddie, 68, who is currently receiving treatment for throat cancer, was allowed out of Southampton General Hospital for a few hours to see the hall named the Freddie Potter Boxing Hall.

The club was started more than 25 years ago in Southampton by Freddie and has moved around the city to different homes over the years.

Mr McGuigan, 47, told the Daily Echo: "It's one of the best boxing gyms I have ever seen. I was told the last facilities in Freemantle were very sparse, old-fashioned and limited but this is fabulous. It's in an area where there are a lot of kids running about with idle time so it's the perfect combination to produce champions.

"The standard of boxing around here is good. You know that if you are fighting a kid from this area then you are up against it."

The Irish boxer has tasted success outside the ring when he was crowned winner of ITV's Hell's Kitchen in 2007 after a public vote.