Boxing fan Boris Johnson prepares for TV debate with sparring session

Boris Johnson tried his hand at boxing as he visited a gym in Manchester, revealing he “loves” the sport.

The Prime Minister entered the ring with the head coach of Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy in Wythenshawe to practice his punches.

He will be hoping to politically knock out Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during a head-to-head debate on ITV later on Tuesday.

Mr Johnson, who removed his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves for the occasion, donned a navy blue pair of “Get Brexit Done” gloves in the ring.

He said he should not be “aggressive” and instead said it was “more therapeutic boxing” as he joked about punching photographers on the side.

Mr Johnson left the ring as two more serious boxers entered, saying he would “quit while he’s ahead”.