A FORMER junior boxing champion is preparing to risk his life to avoid getting in trouble with the law.

Carl Groombridge, who suffers from a thin artery in his brain, will discover next week whether he will be allowed to step back into the ring.

Just one day earlier, he is due to an appear at Burton Magistrates Court on common assault charges.

The 22-year-old impressed pundits when he fought his way to glory in the UK Clubs for Young People Championships in December 2006.

But his decision to turn professional was left hanging in the balance when a mandatory MRI scan requested by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) revealed a rare congenital defect.

Carl, of Balance Street, Uttoxeter, was refused a licence – despite backing from neurosurgeons who insisted his condition would not be affected by punches to the head.

Now, the BBBC has brought in an independent physician from New York to make the final call. A decision is expected next Friday.

Carl admitted focusing on boxing helped keep him out of trouble after a couple of court appearances.

He said: "I do go off the rails and boxing helps me keep out of trouble with the cops.

"I go into pubs and eat pizzas and kebabs and put weight on. The boxing helps focus my mind."

Carl admitted he was more nervous now than he had ever been preparing for a fight.

He added: "It has been three years since my last bout. I can't wait to get back.

"Boxing is all I have ever wanted to do. I can't even contemplate what I would do if that dream is taken away."

The light welterweight, who boxes in the same class as Amir Khan, had ballooned to 14 stone since his last fight – four stone heavier than his fighting weight.

But he stepped up his fitness programme nine months ago and has been sparring with two-time England lightweight champion Scott Lawton at Impact Boxing Club, in Stoke-on-Trent.

The former Thomas Alleyne's student, who now comes in at a "manageable" 12 stone, said: "I want to go for the Midlands title then fight to become British champion but at the moment all I want is to get back in the ring.

"I know I have this thin artery but it doesn't affect me in any way and boxing won't do any further damage.

"I feel fit and healthy – just really frustrated.

"The gym has been great and my touch is still there – all I need now is a licence."

From 2005, Carl spent two years under the guidance of England coaches as a residential student at Hopwood Hall Boxing Academy in Manchester.

He caught the attention of Frank Warren and trained with Errol Johnson before opting to join Impact, under the watch of coach Mick Carney.

Turn to: Page 2