ONE of the region’s best-loved sportsmen is to be honoured by charity to mark the anniversary of his greatest fight.

Twenty-five years after he became the region’s first boxer to be crowned World Champion, children’s charity Variety is to present a Silver Heart, its highest accolade, to boxer Glenn McCrory.

The career of the Annfield Plain-born fighter will be celebrated at a star-studded tribute dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead on November 24.

Joining the former champ will be long-time friends from the boxing world, including Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, John H Stracey, Stuart Hall and Lloyd Honeyghan.

The event is supported by local businessmen and boxing fans Rob Armstrong and David Musgrave, from MTREC Recruitment.

Rob Armstrong said: “What Glenn achieved was amazing; it’s taken 25 years for another regional boxer to win a world title.

“When someone does something as big as what Glenn achieved, it’s important that it’s celebrated like this and not forgotten.

“Glenn was a great boxer, but what’s more, he’s a great man and a good friend. If anyone deserves a night like this, it’s Glenn.”

The event comes 25 years after McCrory defeated Patrick Lumumba on points at the Louisa Centre in Stanley to become the IBF Cruiserweight Champion of the World.

He went on to defend the title, which he held for nine months, before moving on to a career as a TV pundit with Sky Sports, who will be there to film the event in Gateshead.

McCrory is the latest in a line of local sporting heroes to receive the Variety Silver Heart award, following in the footsteps of the likes of Alan Shearer and Sir Bobby Robson.

Tony Thornton, chairman of the charity’s northern region, said: “Honouring Glen for this prestigious award was an easy choice for the committee and we’re extremely grateful for his friend and businessman Rob Armstrong for sponsoring it.

“The support from MTREC Recruitment has been exceptional and without such support from local businesses we would not be able to continue to do the great work we do in the region for sick disabled and disadvantaged children.”

Tickets for the tribute are £50 each, available from north@variety.org.uk or 0191-214 5959.