BOXER Dean Francis is gearing up for the fight which could signal the rebirth of his professional career.

Basingstoke-based Francis plans to make his comeback in the ring on September 14. It would be his first bout since he was released from a two-year jail sentence for attacking two men in a Basingstoke takeaway.

The 27-year-old former British and European Super-Middleweight champion is still waiting for confirmation of who he is lined up to fight in Sheffield.

The fight is also subject to Francis (pictured right) getting the green light to box again from British Boxing Board of Control members who he will appear before during the first week of September.

Francis was recently released halfway through his sentence for unlawful wounding and assault.

He was jailed following an attack on Gavin Rugman and Stephen Johnson at Basingstoke's Chik-Mex takeaway.

His father and coach Trevor Francis (inset) said his son has been keeping fit inside prison and was last week in Bristol speaking with his manager Chris Sanigar.

Francis' father added: "I know he has been keeping in reasonable shape and there is nobody out there better than him if he fights again."

Mr Sanigar said: "Hopefully Dean will fight on the same bill as Clinton Woods against Yawe Davis, both super-middleweights. We will be taking it one fight at a time."

The problems for Francis - who has been training at Basingstoke Amateur Boxing Club's Essex Road gym where his dad coaches - began in October 1998 when a bout in his home town turned into a nightmare.

Francis had hoped his fight against Undra White at Basingstoke Ice Rink would be a stepping stone to a world title. But a dislocated right shoulder in the second round meant the bout ended in defeat.

Trevor Francis believes that age will not count against his son as he strives to make his comeback.

He said: "He dislocated his shoulder not long before he went inside so the rest may even have done him some good."