BOXING legend Roberto Duran is finally set for a date in the North-East after his recovery from a near-fatal car accident.

Duran, who won four world titles at different weights, was due to appear at a sportsman's dinner at Newcastle's Holiday Inn last October.

But the event was cancelled after the boxer suffered multiple injuries in a car crash in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Organisers have now re-arranged the dinner for Saturday, March 23, at the same venue.

Promoter Martyn Devlin said: "Roberto is now up and about and our contract said we could re-schedule his appearance within six months.

"He is enthusiastically looking forward to coming to the North-East."

Mr Devlin, who runs a local amateur boxing club, plans to reunite Duran with Scots fighter Ken Buchanan. The pair clashed for the WBA world lightweight title in 1972, with Duran the victor.

Tickets for the event, which will include appearances by other sporting celebrities and a three-course meal, cost £45. For details, call 0191-422 3816 or (0775) 2515280.