York Hall Leisure Centre - the home of British boxing - has been ranked the sixth best boxing venue in the world.

Boxing News placed the East End leisure centre, run by GLL on behalf of Tower Hamlets Council, in its top ten venue list, alongside other greats such as Madison Square Gardens and Caesars Palace in Las Vagas. Although Shoreditch Town Hall is ranked third, the sport no longer takes place there - making York Hall the best venue outside the USA to see live boxing.

Highlighting York Hall's inclusion, Boxing News described it as an "Incomparable London boxing venue that's stood in the East End since 1929. Underwent a renovation in 2005 that maintained the building's great character. It holds only around 1,200, including a balcony. There's no better place in the capital."

Says Blair Cottam, Tower Hamlets Partnership Manager, "We're delighted York Hall has received industry recognition for its contribution to boxing. The Georgian building was opened in 1929 by the Duke of York and has seen some of the world's greatest boxers battle it out in the main hall. Since its £4.5 million refurbishment just four years ago, York Hall has lost none of its atmosphere and charm - now providing a vital resource for the local community."

Following a joint programme of works by Tower Hamlets Council and GLL, York Hall Leisure Centre underwent extensive refurbishment works between 2005 and 2008, to upgrade facilities and restore the facility to its former glory. The swimming pool, main hall, reception area and changing rooms were fully refurbished and the gym doubled in size to include top of the range equipment. The old cafeteria was transformed into a modern dance studio and Spa London, one of the first public-sector spas in the country, was created in the old Turkish baths.