DEAN FRANCIS' long awaited return to the ring was triumphant as he beat South African Mondli Mbonambi on points at the Wembley Conference Centre.

The Basingstoke-born fighter, who had been out of the ring for more than two years, looked in fine form. In October 1998, Francis dislocated his right shoulder in a fight at the Basingstoke ice rink, and then spent a year in jail for assault, but his career now seems back on track.

The super-middleweight bout was the opening fight on the undercard headlined by British super-heavyweight Audley Harrison.

His fans were treated to a fine display of boxing as he won all eight rounds in a 80-73 points decision.

He finished the fight without a mark but aggravated his shoulder injury in the fourth round when he failed to connect with a punch.

A delighted Francis said: "That was the best I have ever boxed, it was like being back at home. My footwork has really improved since my last fight."

He added: "He was a tough fighter and I just made sure I jabbed and moved to stop him hitting me."

Talking about his shoulder, Francis said: "It was just a twinge. I will get it checked out but I am fine. You can spar as much as you like but it is not the same as the real thing and I just misjudged a punch."

Francis is keen to return to the ring as soon as possible to keep him on course for a British title fight later in the year.

He said: "I have a lot of time to make up to get where I want, which is winning a world title."

Francis' manager Chris Sanigar, who was in his corner for the fight, said: "He boxed very well and certainly won every round. He landed some lovely left hooks."

As for the next opponent and future plans for his fighter, he said: "I can see him being nominated for the British title fight sooner than later, but we have no date for his next fight, as yet."