By Martin Williams

THREE-TIME heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield was knocked out by Ricky Hatton’s latest venture.

On a tour of Britain following the Olympic Games, the ‘Real Deal’ paid a visit to the two-weight strapholder’s Hyde health and fitness centre.

Hatton, who is now established as one of Britain’s top promoters, said: “Sometimes I go off to gym to train some of the lads and wonder who might pop in!”

Some of the biggest names in boxing have visited the gym including Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, the late Joe Frazier, David Haye and Holyfield’s old rival Lennox Lewis.

Hatton added: “It is a great honour that these boxing legends choose to visit whenever they are in Manchester.

“Evander liked the gym, the facilities and was impressed at the plans we have for Hatton Promotions. To be honest I was in awe when he walked in. He has been involved in some of the greatest heavyweight fights ever.

“And when people like him give me encouragement it only makes me want to continue being a success as a promoter and achieve good things as a trainer.”