The 24-year-old has teamed up with dad Phil, who is also his manager, to launch their own gym in a bid to unearth the city's Olympians of the future.

Based in Ryhope, the Olympian gym will hone the ring skills of Wearsiders, aged nine and upwards, helped by top-class coaches.

As well as catering for professional and amateur boxers, the gym has also been designed for general fitness.

Bronze Olympic medallist Tony explained: "I train in Manchester, but when I come back to Sunderland there was no professional gym where I could train.

"We want it to be a gym for everyone: men and women, boys and girls. Even if you don't want to get in the ring, you can just come down for fitness."

Tony says he hopes the gym in Leechmere Way, which he and Phil took over in June, will also fill a gap on Wearside for a professional boxing gym.

"Promoter Frank Maloney really wants to promote fighters from the North East, so we want this to become a good base for people wanting to turn professional."

Local businesses – Andrews Electricals, Wilson Properties and Garage Door Connections – have rallied round to help, with ward councillors Ellen Ball and Ross Wares also lending their support.

Former SAFC footballer Gary Bennett has also thrown his weight behind the gym by providing some training equipment.

Opening hours over the next few weeks are 5.30pm to 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sessions cost £2 for adults and £1 for children.