HEROES of British boxing descended on Moss Side fire station for the launch of a community training camp.

Light-welterweight superstar Ricky Hatton joined Bolton lightweight sensation Amir Khan, undisputed cruiserweight champ David Haye, Salford light-middleweight favourite Jamie Moore and Levenshulme lightweight prospect John Murray at the landmark event.

The Denhill Road gym, which the fire service has invested more than £12,000 in, is opposite another boxing gym, Champ's Camp, at Moss Side Leisure Centre.

The fire station gym was started by firefighters Curtis McLardie, a former Thai boxing trainer, and Nigel Travis and is affiliated with the Amateur Boxing Association.

Curtis, 31, said: "It all started because I asked my station commander if I could keep some gym equipment here. The fire station is a neutral area in Moss Side where kids can come from different areas and work together."

Commonwealth champion Khan, 21, said: "Boxing keeps young people away from gun and knife crime. I started in a gym just like this one and it kept me from going on the wrong path and got me where I am now.

"Resurgence"

"I'm looking forward to supporting this gym. I feel proud to have played a part in the resurgence of British boxing when I see places like this open."

Amir said he `was in touching distance' of a world title shot and looking forward to taking on lightweight champions Nate Campbell or Joel Casamayor in a big Las Vegas fight.

Fire service chief Barry Dixon was at the event, which drew dozens of community members and school children to the station.

Mr Dixon praised the `vision and commitment and sheer hard work' of the firefighters who had started the gym.

David Haye, 27, widely tipped to be the next British world heavyweight champ, made the trip from London for the event. Mr Dixon presented him with a special fire service `thank you' trophy.

IBO light welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton has just come back from Florida where he enjoyed a holiday with his son, Campbell. He missed the wedding of Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin but joked he was `sure they had a good time' without him.

He was mobbed by autograph hunters and photographers at the gym opening but the humble star said the demands of fame had `never really bothered him'.

Ricky, 29, spoke of his hopes of again facing Floyd Mayweather, who defeated him in Las Vegas last December.

Bruising clash

And he confirmed that since his bruising clash with Juan Lazcano last month the best fighters have made offers to fight him, including Filipino star Manny Pacquiao, and Oscar De La Hoya.

Ricky added: "You see so much crime in the street with youth of today drinking and mugging and that, but some of them have nowhere to go. This gym has got great facilities - of the kind I would have loved when I was coming up. Boxing gives people from rough areas a chance to channel anger.

"When people are hitting the bag they are not going to be hitting someone on the street."

John Murray, 23, said: "Boxing teaches discipline and self-respect. It instilled a lot of confidence and self belief in me because a young lad I was quite shy."

Jamie Moore said boxing `kept him out of trouble', without `copping out'.

During their stay, the boxers signed the gym's `respect agenda' on the wall and tried on firemen's' hats.

The new gym will running women's classes on Wednesday, kids classes on Saturdays and is open to all.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact Mr McLardie or Station Commander John Varey on 0161 608 5203.