A boxer jailed after being unmasked as a drugs boss was arrested days before his first televised fight.

Police said Anthony Leak could have been a ‘very successful professional boxer’ but instead led a drugs gang which peddled heroin and cocaine worth almost three quarters of a million pounds.

He was due to fight on the undercard before Ancoats boxer Terry Flanagan’s fight against Petr Petrov at the Manchester Arena, broadcast on BT Sport.

Leak, 27, from Openshaw, has now been jailed for 11 years and four months.

Six other men were jailed for a total of more than 32 years.

They were caught after police launched a wide ranging probe into the dealing of class A drugs across Greater Manchester, named Operation Segma.

Manchester Crown Court heard how between November 2016 and March last year, police discovered more than four kilograms of cocaine and other class A drugs including heroin following four warrants.

Watch: Anthony Leak talking about his boxing success in February 2017

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The drugs seized had an estimated street value of £726,000, and officers also found a gun and ammunition.

Leak was arrested on April 5 last year, days before the event at the Manchester Arena.

He told police he was too busy focusing on his boxing career to be involved in crime.

After the hearing, Det Insp Vicki Kenyon, of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “This was a hugely significant seizure of class A drugs and I am pleased that these men have been held accountable for their actions.

“Leak had everything going for him, by all accounts he could have been a very successful professional boxer, but clearly greed got in the way and he will now spend over 11 years behind bars to reflect on the sporting career he has denied himself of.

“I hope this investigation will go some way to showing how serious we are in our efforts to remove drugs from our streets and we will continue to target these organised crime networks.

“The sentence should send out a message to others who continue to go against the law and supply drugs or possess firearms. Drugs and fear will not be tolerated in our communities - we will find you and you will be brought to justice.”

All seven defendants pleaded guilty to guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs

Mark Hunt, 36, of Pearl Way, Mottram was jailed for seven years.

Michael Torskyj, 39, of Clarence Street, Stalybridge was sentenced to four years and six months. He also pleaded guilty to firearms offences and was sentenced to two years and six months to run concurrently.

Anthony Steenson, 31, of Rome Road, Collyhurst received four years and eight months. Samuel Dexter, 31, of Rycroft Grove, Wythenshawe was sentenced to four years and four months.

Samuel Dexter, 31, of Rycroft Grove, Wythenshawe was sentenced to four years and four months.

Thomas Rawling, 37, of Smithy Lane, Ormskirk was jailed for five years.

James Dowling, 32, of Troutbeck Avenue, Ancoats was sentenced to four years and eight months.

Got a story or an issue you want us to investigate? Want to tell us about something going on where you live? Let us know - in complete confidence - by emailing newsdesk@men-news.co.uk , calling us on 0161 211 2323 , tweeting us @MENnewsdesk or messaging us on our Facebook page . You can also send us a story tip using the form here .