GARY Mason yesterday admitted he is crazy to make a return to the ring

this weekend, nearly three years after having quit the fight game. The

Londoner has been cleared to fight by the Virginia State Commission

following favourable medical reports in America, and will meet

journeyman Kimmuel Odun in a 10-rounder in North Dakota on Saturday.

If he comes through the crucial test, he will consider re-applying for

a licence from the British Boxing Board of Control.

The 31-year-old former British heavyweight champion said: ''If people

say I'm mad to come back, I'll have to say they are right -- but all you

can do is what you feel is right.

''Sparring was a bit fearsome at first, but once I got used to being

hit again, that went away.''

It will be his first contest since suffering his only professional

defeat, against Lennox Lewis at Wembley in March, 1991. But after having

sustained a detached retina, and incurring another eye injury against

Lewis, it may not be the wisest of moves.

Meanwhile, WBC heavyweight champion Lewis will make his next defence

against American Phil Jackson in May.