A FORMER Bolton professional boxer hopes to pack a punch as an Ironman this year.

Robin White had to give up fighting through injury after just two bouts as a pro.

His search for a challenge to match up to boxing has steered him towards the ultimate triathlon which he will compete in when it returns to Bolton on July 19.

The 34-year-old from Farnworth is looking to raise £5,000 for Cancer Research and has already been pledged £3,000.

He has had to overcome one challenge already, as he could not swim more than 10 lengths last year.

"I signed up the day after last year's event," he said.

"I was looking for a challenge that I could commit myself to, but the problem was I couldn't swim very far.

"I learned bit by bit, and found I could do it once I got my breathing right. It's all about the breathing.

"When people say they can't swim very far it's because they don't get the breathing right. Do that and you can go on and on.

"I did a 2.4-mile swim at Pennington Flash six or seven weeks after learning to swim properly."

As well as the 2.4-mile open water swim, he will also join the ultra-triathletes from around the world in cycling 112 miles followed by running a marathon.

"I've been looking to do something that I could train for like I did when I boxed," he said.

"I had a good career as an amateur – I was a two-time national champion – and had two fights as a pro, winning both of them.

"I had to quit because I snapped my cruciate ligament in my knee.

"I came back and then had to have another reconstruction and I couldn't come back a second time.

"There is a lot of twisting and turning in boxing and my knee wouldn't stand up to it.

"There isn't the same twisting and turning in Ironman which is why I'm able to do it.

"After finishing boxing I found myself just going to the gym but it was different not having a fight to train for.

"I was just keeping fit and I needed a challenge – Ironman gives me that.

"I thought it would be a goal to do it for charity and I'm glad I have because people have been very good sponsoring me.

"I have to thank local companies Off The Radar Clothing, Josie White Carpets and Moss Hall Farm Cattery for helping me with equipment and entry fee."