AS he prepares for his latest professional show, York boxing gym owner and former professional boxer Henry Wharton is celebrating being inducted into the British ex-boxers Hall of Fame.

Wharton will be inducted at the ex-Boxers annual dinner at the Armouries in Leeds, attended by 800 people from the British boxing world.

Wharton, 56, won 27 of 31 professional bouts at super middleweight in the nine years starting September 1989, losing three with one draw.

A winner of several British titles and holder of the Commonwealth super middleweight title from 1991 through 1996, Wharton fought Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn in 1994 in gruelling twelve round matches before winning the European Boxing Union’s title in his division in 1995 before retiring in1997.

Wharton is looking forward to seeing what he describes as ‘the excellent boxing potential and talent that I’m determined to develop’ of four up and coming professional boxers Nathan Shepherd, Raf Benka, Harry Kelly and Jack Marshall all of whom will be in action in Wharton’s next professional show at ‘The Engine Shed’ in Wetherby next Sunday 22nd October.

Polish-born welterweight Benka, 29, turned professional in 2021 whereas middleweight Shepherd, 25, super lightweight Kelly, 22, and super featherweight Marshall, 20, all had their first professional matches this year with the Wetherby encounter being the fourth for Benka and Shepherd and the second for Kelly and Marshall.

Leeds-born Wharton has lived in York for many years and opened ‘Henry’s Gym’ in Acomb in 2013.

The gym moved to its current premises in The Crescent near York Station earlier in 2023.

“I enjoyed my boxing career.” said Wharton.

“But my priority now is sharing the many benefits of boxing, both mental and physical, with the dozens of young people attending our club and arranging the amateur and professional shows that allow them to demonstrate the progress they’ve made.”

Regular amateur shows are also organised by Wharton with the next one scheduled for 26th October at Acomb WMC.

Wharton is looking for individuals or companies to sponsor a bout for £30. If willing to do so or if keen to see if boxing is for you or your child Henry is best contacted on 07415993415 or via the Henry’s Gym Facebook page.