A big-hitter on business roster.

FORMER boxing champion George Foreman will join a knock-out line-up of speakers at a major business conference in Yorkshire this summer.

The two-times world heavyweight champion and creator of the fat-reducing grill machine joins former Australian Prime Minister John Howard on the stage at the Yorkshire International Business Convention on June 6 at Harrogate.

Organiser Mike Firth said: "We're used to having political heavyweights at the convention with previous speakers like Bill Clinton, FW de Klerk and Mikhail Gorbachev.

"This is the first time we have had a true heavyweight champion, although I think for the delegates the fascination about George will be how he has created a second career for himself as an incredibly successful business entrepreneur."

As well as the grilling machine, George Foreman (pictured) has also developed his own clothing brand and last year became a partner in the Panther Racing IndyCar team. The Texas-born former fighter has also written two books about his faith-related experiences and overcoming adversity.

Details of the convention, which is sponsored by Barclays Commercial Bank, is available online at www.yibc.biz or by phoning 0870-3301166.