BOLTON Thai boxer Nigel Ashton is ready to make a fighting comeback after seven years of retirement.

Nigel decided to quit after a bad knee injury that he picked up when doing renovations on his then newly-acquired Elite Thai-Kick Boxing Gym in Halliwell.

That was in June 1995, just two months after he had been crowned North West Thai boxing champion and looked as though he had the world at his feet.

Although the leg healed within a few months he decided to concentrate on developing the gym rather than fighting.

But now with his business established and former World Champion Humphrey Harrison as his trainer, Nigel fancies another crack in the ring.

The 30-year-old is confident as well, targetting the elite J-Max tournament in Japan within the next 12 months, which boasts a £250,000 prize.

He says: "I can't wait to get back in the ring now that I've made my mind up, I'm looking at one or two opponents for my comeback in August.

"The main reason I am going to fight again is that I've found a very good coach in Humphrey Harrison, who I've been with for over a year now.

"My age will certainly be no barrier, boxers can go on until 40 years old and beyond. I'm a spring chicken."

The Elite Gym can be contacted on (01204) 493563.