Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is coming to Sussex.

He is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest boxers of all time and will appear at the Effingham Park Hotel, Copthorne, on October 16.

Leonard, now 49, won six world titles in his prime and, unlike some of his contemporaries, is seen as a role model.

Lee Greenwood, who also co-promoted the controversial visit of Mike Tyson in March, said: "He is a great ambassador for amateur boxing and for the sport in general.

"He is an eloquent speaker and his role in the television series The Contender has brought him back to prominence all over the world.

"He is trying to bring boxing back into the mainstream and I am trying to raise amateur boxing's profile in Sussex so it all ties in.

"It will be a night of amateur boxing which will raise the profile of the sport and encourage kids to get involved, taking them off the streets.

"Sugar Ray is the perfect role model."

Greenwood, who coaches at Hailsham and Eastbourne Amateur Boxing Club, added: "It is also an opportunity for Sussex people to meet an idol and someone they can aspire to."

Leonard had an illustrious amateur career which culminated in Olympic gold in 1976.

In 1977, at the age of 20, Leonard won his first professional fight and went on to be involved in some of the most memorable fights in history.

He defeated some of the finest boxers of the modern era including Wilfred Benitez, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler.

During his 20-year professional career, Leonard won six world titles at welterweight, junior middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight, a record that stands to this day.

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 with a career record of 36 wins, three losses and one draw.

Leonard will be guest of honour at the dinner show which will feature local amateur bouts.