North Yorkshire boxer Paul Ingle today capped a remarkable fightback by celebrating his 29th birthday - little more than six months after suffering life-threatening injuries in the ring.

Ingle's former trainer Steve Pollard admitted it was a day he feared the former world champion would never see.

"Obviously, at Christmas time we feared he would not make his next birthday.

"That he has done and is getting better is brilliant," said Hull-based Pollard.

"Hopefully, they will be having a big celebration in Scarborough.

"I'm going over to visit his family on Sunday so I'll certainly be celebrating with them then."

Ingle suffered a 12th round knockout defending his world featherweight title against South African Mbulelo Botile at Sheffield Arena in December.

Within an hour surgeons at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield were operating to remove a blood clot on his brain and he was put into a drug induced coma.

He was later moved to Castle Hill Hospital at Cottingham and returned to the Scarborough home he shares with his fiancee, Sam Coulson, more than three months ago.

Although he is still suffering from short-term memory loss, Pollard revealed Ingle's progress since he returned to his home in Scarborough had exceeded medical expectations.

"He is progressing, and he is in front of what the doctors expected," said Pollard.

"He is due to go into hospital soon, within the next month or two, to have a metal plate inserted into his skull.

"But the fact he is progressing faster than what the doctors expected is good news."

Ingle is gradually regaining his physical fitness with the help of regular visits to Scarborough Sports Centre and through physiotherapy.

"He goes up to the sports centre in Scarborough with a friend and that is keeping him motivated and getting himself fitter," said Pollard.

"He has also been coming through to the gym here in Hull when he feels like it.

"My aim is to get him involved in the set-up here, perhaps as a conditioner or something.

"He is a long way from that but that is the idea."

Meanwhile, fellow Scarborough boxer Chris Hooper is turning professional and will work under Pollard's guidance.

The 23-year-old featherweight, a former trainee with Scarborough FC, has decided to try his luck in the paid ranks after an impressive amateur spell.

He recently emerged victorious representing England against an American opponent and was trained by Tommy Johnsen, the coach who honed Ingle's skills during his formative years.

Updated: 09:30 Friday, June 22, 2001