The man who’ll face Carlisle’s Danny Christie in his next big bare-knuckle fight is being trained by a former Leeds United star.

Anthony Holmes will face Currock man Christie at BKFC Leeds next month.

And the Yorkshire fighter has been training with veteran footballer David Norris.

The 42-year-old, who is still playing with non-league club Lancaster City, is part-owner of a gym in Bolton and also works in Leeds.

Part of that sees him putting boxers and bare-knuckle fighters through their paces.

Castleford’s Holmes, who takes on Christie in a light-heavyweight bout on April 22, is one of those under his wing.

Norris spoke about his work with Holmes in an interview with the Portsmouth News recently.

READ MORE: Carlisle fighter to take on world champion in bare-knuckle contest

Talking about the sport of bare-knuckle, he said: “I thought that sport happened in some sort of bar with straw bales around them while punching the lights out of each other, but it’s growing and shows are actually put on at the O2 Arena.”

Norris also played for a host of other clubs including Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Blackpool.

News and Star: Christie's contest with Holmes is scheduled for April 22Christie's contest with Holmes is scheduled for April 22 (Image: BKFC)

The Holmes fight will be Christie’s third on the major BKFC scene after the 38-year-old impressed with victories over Terry Brazier and Darren Godfrey last year.

It will see the Cumbrian take on the Yorkshireman in Holmes' home county.

Holmes is a former world champion in BKB TM before switching to BKFC.

Christie, speaking on his YouTube channel, said of the fight: "He's powerful, patient, rough, tough, all those things - but I'm looking for a war with him.

"I want a stand-and-bang. A trade-off. I'll meet him in the middle and match him for anything that he's got.

"I cannot wait to engage with this lad. He is one of the most decorated bare-knuckle fighters out there. It's definitely a step up for me in the BKFC.

"I will get him out of there."

Speaking on Facebook, Holmes said: “It excites me, this fight.

“I’ve watched a lot of his [Christie's] stuff and everything I see of him, and he reminds me of me.

“We’re from similar backgrounds, prison, drugs…and we’ve changed our lives.

“The difference is, I’ve been grinding a lot longer. I’m just on the brink of my dream, breaching America, and I’m not letting anybody who’s just turned up now, take it away from me.

“As much respect as I’ve got for him, I’m winning that fight.”