ONE of the North East's most promising young boxers is set for an assault on the country's major amateur titles next year after securing a new sponsorship deal.

Francis Jones, who fights out of Darlington's Albert Hill boxing club, has signed a one-year contract with Stockton-based insolvency practitioners Harrisons to help ensure he makes the most of his prodigious talent.

The 19-year-old has already had numerous fights all over the country, winning 60pc of them via knockouts. His record includes victories over several American boxers and insiders are tipping him as a potential British star of the future.

Jones is ranked nine in the English ABA rating system and Paul Hamilton, his trainer at the Albert Hill club, said: "The next 12 months will be a crucial time for Francis.

"The 2001 ABAs, which are held in Barnsley in April, are the main immediate goal, but if there is a positive outcome there he can definitely look forward to bigger and better things."

Jones said: "My trainer and I work very hard in training, working out twice a day, which can be very strenuous. This new sponsorship deal with Harrisons will make a big difference as it will aid me in training, paying for equipment and travel costs for getting to tournaments around the country."

Neil Harrison, partner with Harrisons, urged other businesses in the region to support talented local sportsmen and women. He said: "I am convinced that Francis has the potential to become a major star in the boxing world.

"This summer we have seen the success that British sportsmen can achieve when they are given the proper backing, but there are still not enough North East individuals who go out there and compete with the very best."