A FORMER Bolton heavyweight boxer proved yesterday that brains and brawn do mix when he proudly collected a degree.

Peter Freeman retired in 1978 after an eight year professional career and was the only British fighter to meet Olympic gold medallist Leon Spinks.

Although he lost the fight in the first round, Peter can justifiably say he went out at the top - Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali to win the world title in his next fight.

Yesterday Peter was in cap and gown at the Victoria Hall, Bolton during one of this week's Bolton Institute awards ceremonies.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Certificate in Education and hopes it will shine a ray of light on his sport, which has suffered a great deal of criticism in recent years. He said: "A lot of people think sportsmen lack intelligence and are only good enough to run a pub when they retire.

"I hope the qualification I have gained will help to prove them wrong."

Boxing suffered another bodyblow at the weekend when James Murray died following a British bantamweight contest in Glasgow.

But the former Central Area and Amateur Champion defended the sport and added: "Boxing gives young people self-discipline and fighters can reduce their chances of being injured if they are at peak fitness before a fight.

"Boxing would go underground if it was banned and it would be harder to ensure the safety of boxers."

Peter spent three years at Bolton Institute completing the course, which is administered by Manchester University. A part-time lecturer in the non-destructive testing of materials at Bolton College, Peter hopes the certificate will be a springboard to opportunities in education, health and leisure.

The former Smithills Grammar School pupil added: "I want to put something back into society because I have had so much out of it. I have some good ideas to help people - particularly with keeping fit - and now I have a qualification to prove it." Bolton born and bred, Peter still keeps himself in good shape and has more time to enjoy golf since he retired from the fight game.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.