SUPERSTARS Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan have thrown their weight behind the bid to overturn the ban on professional boxing in Bury.

Local super-bantamweight Scott Quigg, pictured, who has a 100 per cent record from his 16 fights, is on the verge of fighting for a British or European title in the new year and he is desperate to do it in his home town.

Professional boxing was outlawed in Bury in 1997 when former council leader Derek Boden cited Mike Tyson’s ear-biting of Evander Holyfield as an example of “unacceptable levels of harm” in the sport.

The ban only applies to council premises and a licence would have to be obtained for boxing to be held elsewhere in the borough.

With the Castle Leisure Centre seen as an ideal venue for any potential show, it would take a ruling from the council to let it go ahead.

Former world champion Hatton, who promotes Quigg, and WBA light-welterweight champion Khan, who won an Olympic silver medal while based at Bury Amateur Boxing Club, are desperate to see the ban lifted.

“I do not know why Bury Council will not allow boxing in the borough,” said Hatton. “Boxing has been my life and it has allowed me to fulfil my dreams and I would like to be able to give something back as a promoter.

“Scott is one of our exciting and successful fighters. I think he is on the fringe of big things and it would be great to promote him in his home town.”

Khan, who has also seen at close quarters the potential of Quigg, agreed: “He is a good kid and I hope they change the rules.

“Scott is a great up-and-coming fighter and they should give him the chance to fight in his home town. That is every boxer’s dream.

“He trained for a short time at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles where I train and it was good for him to come down and experience it.

“That is the way forward for him in his career. It shows how excited he is and that he goes out of his way to improve his career.

“Trainer Freddie Roach was excited with him and I think a lot of people were excited with him. He is a good fighter and I really rate him.”

Council leader Bob Bibby last week indicated he was willing to take a fresh look at the ruling.