Former pro heavyweight Steve Garber wants to create a boxing academy in Bradford.

The city has churned out a host of top boxers, including current WBC light-welterweight world champion Junior Witter.

But there is a chronic lack of suitable facilities for training, which means that professionals must travel to outside gyms.

Garber, now a successful promoter in charge of Premier Sporting Club, is determined to reverse that trend by finding a base to keep the home-grown talent in the city.

"It's Steve's home and he is fiercely proud of his roots," said Premier event manager Deon Jacobs.

"He wants to promote boxing in West Yorkshire and would love to set up this academy in Bradford.

"I'm sure there are a lot of talented people out there who would be boxers if they could only get the facilities and proper training.

"But it's not just about giving the professionals the top-end facilities they need. He also wants this academy to get kids off the street in a similar way to the Brendan Ingle scenario in Sheffield.

"As well as teaching boxing, it's about discipline and treating youngsters about respecting themselves and others.

"With Steve's background, he has got the street cred to do that.

"The plan would be to work with the professionals during the day and the kids in the afternoons.

"Then in the evening, we would look more to the boxercise side by encouraging ladies to take part in self-defence lessons - everything would be incorporated into one centre."

Garber, who is hunting for a suitable venue, also plans to include retired fighters who often fall on hard times when they leave the ring.

Jacobs added: "Steve founded a very successful security business but others aren't so lucky. A lot of boxers finish and then have absolutely no idea what to do with the rest of their lives."

Garber hopes to discuss his ambitious plans with Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, the Bradford South MP who recently called for boxing to be re-introduced into schools.

Premier Sporting Club's next show will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Thursday, April 24.

Former British and European lightweight champion Billy Schwer is the guest of honour.

Tickets can be booked on 08703-505525.