IT was a knockout in Sale as boxing legend Larry Holmes surprised barber for the homeless Ged King at his shop on Saturday.

The Easton Assassin swung by Skullfades Barber Shop, in Washway Road, on November 19 to commend Ged, 31, on all the work he is doing with his charity Skullfades Foundation.

Ged works tirelessly with the homeless community in Manchester, giving up his free time to not only give haircuts to people living on the streets but to hear their story and help in any way he can.

Some of the foundation’s recent projects include a sleep-out, with funds going towards helping Sale West boxers, and a huge homeless Christmas appeal in the city on Sunday.

James Livingstone, a businessman who works with the foundation, wanted Ged, a huge boxing fan, to get some recognition for all of the work he is doing – and the American boxer was more than happy to help.

Ged said: “It was a dream come true. He was the only man to stop Muhammad Ali and fought the likes of Mike Tyson. I was just in awe of him, I don’t get star-struck but boxing, that is my passion, and to have one of the best boxers of all time in the shop – it was unbelievable.”

Holmes, 67, was world heavyweight champion between 1978 and 1985 and made 20 successful title defences. He was known for having one of the greatest jabs in the sport and was one of only five people to defeat Ali.

Holmes spent around an hour at the barbershop, recounting his most famous bouts, signing belts and other items for fans, speaking to customers and talking about the foundation’s work.

“Fights that I have read about, he was talking about them, it was just so surreal and amazing,” said Ged.

“What was so surprising though was that he wanted to know what we are doing, instead of just being interested in talking about himself, he really took the time to speak to everybody.

"He always tries to remember where he came from and to stay humble and we are like that too. It’s a day I will never forget.”