A BOXER who nearly lost his life during a title fight is heading Stateside for a return to the ring.

“Fearless” Francis Jones was recently declared fit to fight by the Nevada Athletic Commission, in the US, despite the British Boxing Board of Control turning down his application on a number of occasions.

Mr Jones, says he has made a full recovery from a brain injury which he sustained in 2007, will leave Darlington on Friday afternoon and head for the Las Vegas strip, where he will pursue his dream of becoming a world champion boxer.

Mr Jones said: “Getting a licence is very different in America. You need to get a promoter and a fight sorted, then you can get your licence.

“I’m going to land on Friday and begin knocking on gym doors looking for a trainer and a promoter immediately.

“I tried to get on a bill next month. I even said that I would pay my opponent’s wages if he beat me and box for free – but it was full.

“I’ve been asked how long I’ll stay out there. The answer is simple. I’ll be out there until I’m world champion.

“I’m really sharp at the minute and I am fast. I need to lose about a stone in weight and then I’m good to step into the ring.

“I’ve been cleared by the board to fight and I was examined by some of the top neurologists in Boston. They said my risks in the boxing ring are the same as anybody else’s, despite my brain injury.

“I’m like Rocky Balboa – this is how he got started, just knocking on doors looking for a trainer. I’m hungry and I want this.”

Mr Jones, who has attracted national press attention for his private security company, will continue to run the operation from across the Atlantic.

“Sparta will continue without me being here on a day-today basis,” he said.

“I’ve got some great people working for me who know the business and will be able to take a more hands-on approach.”