Birmingham's band of ex-boxers have called for home-grown ring legend Johnny Prescott to be honoured on the city's walk of stars.

They want the heavyweight, who died on November 11, to be remembered on Broad Street where the names of such local VIPs as Ozzy Osboure, Jasper Carrott and Nigel Mansell are picked out on the pavement.

Prescott was 74 when he lost his long battle with dementia. More than 500 attended his funeral at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield, recently.

Birmingham's former British middleweight champ Wayne Elock, now Midland Ex-Boxers Association president, said: "Having JP's name on Broad Street would be a beautiful gesture.

"He was before my time, but what I've heard about him is nothing but positive. He touched so many people.

"He was possibly the last Birmingham boxer everyone talked about."

Prescott, famed for his playboy lifestyle, fought the very best Britain had to offer in the 1960s.

A passionate Birmingham City fan, he was beaten by Henry Cooper for the British title at St Andrew's.

Jerry Hjelter, secretary of the ex-boxers association, said: "JP was a brilliant character. He was unfortunate in that when he was at his peak there were other really good boxers at national level.

"And, remember, if he was boxing today, he wouldn't be a heavyweight he'd be a small cruiserweight.

"John was a character, gave 100 per cent and people still talk of his two fights with Billy Walker. He deserves some sort of recognition."

Broad Street manager Mike Olley said the walk of stars was in a period of transition.

"We are re-defining our structure and the way we go about things. We are appointing a new Walk of Stars committee," he said.

That committee, when set-up, would consider any application to include Prescott, Mr Olley pledged.