YORK boxing legend Henry Wharton admitted today his chances of making a sensational return to the ring were looking increasingly remote.

The three-times world title challenger refused to slam the door shut on a comeback but acknowledged the clock was ticking.

The ex-British, Commonwealth and European super-middleweight champion told the Evening Press: "Never say never but it is looking unlikely. I will keep the door open for the time being but until someone comes to me with an offer then that is it.

"I have done a lot of the chasing but I have been out of boxing for two years now and it is not looking good for a title shot.

"I wouldn't mind fighting again but boxing seems very quiet at the moment - it is quiet all over except for Lennox Lewis in the heavyweight division."

Wharton's trainer Gary Atkin said he believed the York fighter was still capable of becoming a world champion.

"My personal opinion is that Henry has still got something to offer, he could still win titles and has never really given the light-heavyweight division a proper crack.

"There are a few big fights out there for him and I would love to see him fight Crawford Ashley, even if there were no titles at stake because that would be a fantastic fight. But the clock is ticking and it is Henry's decision. He has nothing to prove."

A comeback for York's favourite boxing son, now aged 32, has been mooted for almost a year now after boxing manager Frank Maloney promised to lure Wharton out of retirement for a clash with rising ring star Jamie Warters.

Wharton surprised the boxing world when he announced his retirement in January 1999, less than a month away from a showdown with Leeds rival Ashley in a triple light-heavyweight title challenge and world title eliminator.

Meanwhile Scarborough's king of the ring Paul Ingle is expected to make the second defence of his world featherweight crown at the end of September.

Manager Frank Maloney confirmed the date being pencilled in for Ingle's return to action is Saturday, September 30.

Although no venue has yet been finalised it is hoped the fight will take place in England, either in London or in Sheffield.

"We will be making an announcement next week," Maloney told the Evening Press.

Ingle's opponent in what would be a mandatory defence is expected to be South African Mtubelo Botile, the number one challenger in the International Boxing Federation rankings.

Ingle was originally scheduled to be on the bill of the Lennox Lewis world heavyweight clash with Francois Botha at London Arena at the weekend, but the Scarborough warrior, nursing a minor back complaint, declared the fight would come too soon after his gruelling 11-round victory over Junior Jones in New York in May.

david.stanford@ycp.co.uk