Bomber Graham surrounded by his boxing buddies at emotional event in Rotherham

Thirty five of some of the biggest names in South Yorkshire boxing history gathered tonight to pay tribute to Herol 'Bomber' Graham.
Bomber Graham reunited with old friends at Magna tonightBomber Graham reunited with old friends at Magna tonight
Bomber Graham reunited with old friends at Magna tonight

The former boxing champion - credited as being a central character in the rise of the Ingle gym - has been severely ill recently and was hospitalised near his home in London.But the Nottingham-born 56-year-old former middleweight was well enough to travel to the Magna Centre, Rotherham this evening for a charitable evening to help the fitness trainer get back on his feet.

He was close to tears several times as old pals hugged and recalled old times.The event, organised by boxing fan Michael Lawless, attracted the likes of: Clinton Woods, Junior Witter, Ryan Rhodes, Henry Wharton, Denzil Brown, Ron Hopley, Nav Mansouri, Ross Burkinshaw, Glyn Rhodes, John Fewkes, Khalid Shafiq, Barry Bailey, Matt Mowatt, Sam Sheedy, Chris Hall, Wayne Windle, Shaun Malcolm, Carl Wild, John Westgarth, Scott Westgarth, Nick Manners, John Keeton, , Richie Wenton, Regan Denton, Simeon Cover and Carl Baker.

Bomber Graham reunited with old friends at Magna tonightBomber Graham reunited with old friends at Magna tonight
Bomber Graham reunited with old friends at Magna tonight
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Graham, whose record stood at 48 Wins (28 knockouts, 20 decisions), 6 Losses (3 knockouts, 3 decisions) retired in 1998.

He said he was touched by the warmth of many friends and boxing colleagues, some of whom he hadn't seen for years.

Retired champion Ross Burkinshaw told The Star said he'd been a virtual disciple of Graham since he was ten years old."He took me under his wing, at Sheffield Boxing Centre, he showed me everything, guided me. When he left I think I went a bit wayward and started fighting rather than boxing!"Burkinshaw, now a trainer, said Graham had seemed like an "old man" when he was ill after his appendix burst but seemed well on the mend.He said his idol appreciated the warm gesture tonight, "This will go to his heart" he said.