The Hands of Stone are heading for Bradford.

Roberto Duran, once one of the toughest boxers on the planet, has been lured to the city as part of a whistle-stop tour of England.

It is the first of only six dates in this country the ring legend from Panama will be making and a massive coup for the sport in West Yorkshire. He will be here on Monday, October 7.

Promoter John Celebanski said: "It's a marvellous opportunity for the Bradford public to see one of the real sporting greats.

"We are absolutely delighted that Roberto is coming here, especially as it will be the first show he will be doing in England. I'm sure we will fill the Hilton Hotel to see him."

Duran's amazing career spanned 119 professional fights, winning versions of the world title from lightweight to middleweight. He did not announce his retirement until a month ago, at the grand age of 51, after a serious car accident in Argentina finally prompted him to hang up the gloves.

But he will be best remembered for fearsome ring wars against the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Marvin Hagler and Iran Barkley.

Duran succeeded where the Hitman twice failed and beat Leonard and took Hagler the full 15 rounds before being outpointed. Unfortunately his career was always marked for turning his back on Leonard in their infamous fight in November 1980. Duran returned to his stool midway through the eighth round, declaring: "No mas (no more)."

Even 22 years on, many in his native Panama have never forgiven him for that gesture.

But the boxing world will best remember him as the pugnacious fighter who started off at bantamweight before building himself up to go toe to toe with some of the hardest men on the planet.

He was beaten only 16 times in a record spanning five decades and a couple of those came at the end when he was a shadow of his former self.

Duran, who needs an interpreter, is following in the footsteps of great rival Hagler who visited the Bradford Hilton two years ago.

Tickets can be booked on 01274 824015, 01274 306909 and 01274 600777.