THE grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali has a new trainer - and he's from Barrow.

Richard T. Slone has been appointed the chief cornerman to guide Nico Ali Walsh as he heads into the ring against Jeremiah Yeager in Tulsa, Oklahoma tonight.

Richard is the son of John Slone Snr who lived in Walney before his death. John sat ringside for many of boxing's biggest fights, regularly making friends with legends of the sport.

But Richard, a self-taught artist who has painted portraits of some of the greats including Nelson Mandela, Hugh Hefner, and Lennox Lewis, is now stranger to the sport.

He has spent over a decade training boxers and working corners for top fighters with Emanuel Steward. He also spent a decade as the Vice President of Kronk Gym and is known globally for his incredible talent as an artist, having painted some of the most iconic pieces in boxing history.

His artwork has been used on the official posters and programs for most major boxing events in the last 15 years, including Mayweather vs Pacquiao, Canelo vs Golovkin and Mayweather vs McGregor.

During his boxing career, he was mentored by boxing great Joe Frazier, who guided his boxing career until he followed his love for art.

On his new role, he said: "Working with Nico is something I never anticipated but I have known him for most of his life and I know that he has a good work ethic

"Nico has worked very hard in preparation for this fight and I think that will show in his performance."

Richard was the official artist for the International Boxing Hall of Fame and has had his artwork grace the cover of Ring Magazine.

Nico Ali Walsh said: "Working with Slone is a blessing to my career.

"Most people recognize Rich Slone as the world’s greatest boxing artist but I’ve known him for many years. I know his extensive background working with Joe Frazier and Emanuel Steward as a professional boxing trainer. Together we will do great things."