The Godfather of Merseyside boxing, George Vaughan, is stepping down after more than half-a-century of working with almost every Liverpool boxer to have laced up a glove.

Vaughan, 83, was in Jazza Dickens' corner for his world title challenge to Kid Galahad last month - but has decided the time is now right to hang up his sparring pads.

"I'm going to take a step back now," he explained. "The time is probably right.

"I knew it had to come one day. I'm 84 in May but I was still working a world title fight at 83. I don't think there are many who can say that - certainly not in Liverpool anyway!

"I walk every day, I still feel fit but I don't remember things as well as I used to so the time is right."

But the knowledge and wisdom George has imparted to boxers like Peter Culshaw, Shea Neary, Derry Mathews, Andy Holligan, Paul, Stephen and Liam Smith and the fighter who he considers to be the most naturally talented he ever worked with, Joey Selkirk, will not be lost to the sport.

"I've got a big family, and I'll be passing tips on to some of them who are involved in the game," he added. "Young George (22) was being paid by Frank Warren when he was 10 - so I can pass tips on to him!

"But the time is right now to take a step back."

Meet the Godfather of Merseyside boxing

Jazza Dickens, who worked with Vaughan in the build up to his world title challenge, said: "I've worked with George for five years and they were the best years of my life and my career. Every single day being with him on the hills around Everton was living my dream.

"I was inspired by him, I still am inspired by him and I always will be inspired by him.

"I'm still planning to stay active so I need to think about what I'm going to do now. I was preparing for a British title fight when I first started working with George and I desperately wanted to win the world title with him to reward him for everything he has done for me.

"It wasn't to be, but when I do win that title in the future I will be dedicating it to him."