Brighton boxer Mark Snipe is making a comeback after two years out of the sport.

The 29-year-old light-heavyweight hopes to fight again within the next couple of months after taking time out to "clear his head".

Once touted as a future British champion, Snipe is refusing to set himself any targets as he resumes his career.

Snipe said: "In the past I was setting myself too high. Expectations were too much.

"Now I am not thinking like that. If I win a world title, a British title or a Southern Area title, it doesn't matter. It is one fight at a time."

After taking up boxing at 15, Snipe enjoyed a highly successful amateur career, winning the Southern Counties title twice as well as becoming National Association of Boys' Clubs champion - a crown which former British champion Henry Cooper regards as the most prestigious trophy to win.

He made his professional debut in June 1995, recording an impressive points win against Birmingham's Michael Pinnock at Basildon.

But things did not progress smoothly from there. In the next four years Snipe only had another eight fights. He lost only one of his first seven contests but quit boxing in 1999 with a record on three defeats in nine pro bouts.

While he was boxing, he had to contend with the death of his father Jack, a former professional himself who was a great influence on Mark's career. He also split with manager Paddy Byrne and went unmanaged for some time.

Snipe said: "Everything was getting to me. I had had enough. I was getting beaten by the managers and the fights weren't coming quick enough.

"Instead of getting stronger by it, I was getting beaten by it. My motivation had gone. As soon as I turned pro everything went wrong. I had six month breaks inbetween fights and nothing was running smooth. My dad dying was a crucial part of my career."

The one constant in Snipe's career has been his trainer, Bert Barrow, and it is with Barrow that Snipe has resumed his career.

Snipe, who had continued working as a carpenter, said: "I didn't miss boxing at all for a year and a half. But a few months ago I started missing it.

"I felt like I wanted to give it another go. I felt motivated, more clearer and I had more strength of mind.

Snipe is still under contract with Chris Sanigar, the Bristol-based manager, and he hopes to get back in the ring soon.

However, he does not want any talk of titles - not yet, anyway.

He added: "If you are going to be champion, you are going to be champion.

"There is no point trying to make yourself champion if you are not. I will take each fight as it comes and I think I can fight better like that."