Joe Bugner hits the town with old foe Shavers

It was a whistle-stop at the gym, before the pair moved on to the city's Novotel Hotel for an after-dinner speaking slot on a show promoted by Gary Bate.

Hungarian-born Bugner's family relocated to Britain when he was a boy and he became a three-time European champion, plus a two-time British and Commonwealth title holder.

He said: "It's great to be back in England among proper boxing fans, I consider this place my home even though I am enjoying the sunshine in Australia. It's like catching up with old friends!"

A world crown eluded Bugner until he picked up the WBF belt at 48 but he shared a ring with legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, before the 64-year-old retired for pastures new.

Shavers also fought 'The Greatest' in a points loss but had him in all sorts of trouble when they also boxed for his WBA and WBC belts in 1977, in what was termed 'Ali's Desperate Hour'.

The champion escaped with the decision on points, after fight doctor Ferdie Pacheco had earlier urged him to retire. Ali later said: "Earnie hit me so hard, it shook my kin-folk back in Africa."

The 68-year-old also took on Bugner, the fight ending in a disappointing two rounds with Shavers winning on cuts after what was a bloodbath, having already floored him in the first session.

Shavers said: "Joe was a good fighter and I expected a longer night, but it's one of those things when you get cut. But he was a real good boxer.

"I was surprised Ali never went over, but that fight cemented my life story about probably being the hardest puncher ever.

"Down the line, I remember putting Larry Holmes over, I was the new champion for seven seconds. Then he got up and he wasn't happy!"

Shavers lived on our shores for 10 years, living in Liverpool from 1998 to 2008, before returning to the United States. His time at Wolverhampton Boxing Club brought back some memories.

He said: "It reminds me of where I started out years ago, boxing can change your life and that's exactly what happened to me. I became very successful.

"I was just a kid walking into a gym in Youngstown, Ohio, and I worked hard to get to where I was. No one can ask for anymore than your best."