Former world champion boxer Charlie Shepherd is set to link up with Tony Bellew for an event in Cumbria.

Carlisle’s Shepherd will partner the former world cruiserweight champion on August 2 at Whitehaven’s Solway Hall as the Liverpool-born fighter gives two one-hour talks about his career as a professional fighter. The 36-year-old retired last year.

Last month, the pair met at Clock Face Labour Club in St Helens, with Bellew revealing Shepherd, who captured the IBO World Championship after defeating American Tom Johnson in 1999 in one of the biggest nights of boxing Cumbria has witnessed, was one of his idols when he was growing up.

“I’ve never met a nicer bloke in my life,” Shepherd said. “He was unbelievably down-to-earth.

“I can’t wait to be back with him up in Cumbria which is going to be brilliant. He is coming up to my turf, and I think we are going to have a really good night.

"The Cumbrian fans are brilliant, so I can’t wait to be in Whitehaven with them. To bring a name like that, after everything that he has done lately, it’s going to be fantastic.”

On being one of the role models that Bellew looked up to during his formative years of boxing, Shepherd, who also runs Four Belt Fitness on Raffles Avenue, added: “That was really nice.

“He said he watched me, growing up, and it’s nice to be thought of in such high regard.”

Tickets start at £50. To buy tickets for the night with Bellew and Shepherd, call Peter “Frenchy” Boyle on 07759 495761 or visit The Solway Hall website.

Shepherd is also due to work with 2007 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Joe Calzaghe on April 26 at Wigan’s Village On The Green.

The Welshman retired in 2009 with a record of 46 wins from 46 fights.

“I can’t wait to meet Joe,” he said. “He is undefeated, so he is possibly one of Britain’s best-ever boxers.

“It’s unbelievable what he achieved. He beat some absolute legends - Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.

"His achievements possibly put him up there in Britain’s top-five best-ever.”

Before then, though, Shepherd will be the special guest at Border City ABC’s home show at the Crown and Mitre Hotel on March 9.