PAISLEY Ice Rink was a mecca for famous boxers in the 60s.

The venue – considered the most state of the art in Britain when it opened its doors in 1940 – could seat up to 5000 spectators and boasted a first class restaurant, café, milk bar and shop.

Sugar Ray Robinson, said by some to be the best boxer ever, fought at the venue in August 1964, when he was 42 and considering retirement.

Promoter Peter Keenan took him to Paisley Ice Rink, where he suffered a rare defeat to Irish boxer Mick Leahy.

Top tickets for the fight cost eight guineas, but you could get a cheap seat at the back for two.

Our photographers snapped him on his arrival at Prestwick Airport, looking dapper as he signed autographs for fans.

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Sugar Ray also appeared at Ibrox and Parkhead football grounds before matches to drum up interest in the non-title fight. He was a guest at Ibrox when Rangers played Dunfermline in the opening game of the 1964-65 season on August 19.

Muhammad Ali also fought in Paisley, in 1965, but it was less successful. The boxer was at the height of his fame, aged 23 and a world champion. After an all-singing, all-dancing arrival at at Prestwick Airport, he visited hospitals and Celtic Park on a promotional tour before the bout. But only around 1000 people turned up on the night, and they were less than impressed. When the boos started, Ali stormed out of the ring and went straight to the airport, demanding to be put on “the first flight outta here.”