AMERICA could be the destination for Jamie Cox’s next fight after teaming up with Manchester boxing manager Lee Beard.

Beard, who is the former trainer of British favourite Ricky Hatton, has major links with American promoters and looks set to exploit them in order to get Cox’s name up the rankings.

The Swindon boxer’s last fight was back in June last year when he outpointed Matiouze Royer at Swindon’s Oasis Leisure Centre. Prior to that fight, injury had kept the unbeaten Cox out of the ring for almost two years.

Cox had also be earmarked as a potential challenger for Commonwealth middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders last November until the Londoner suffered a hand injury.

Talks are currently ongoing for Cox to fight in New Jersey in March and the former Commonwealth light-middleweight champion says he is relishing the prospect to compete in America.

“Nothing is confirmed yet but my next fight could well be in New Jersey in March,” Cox told the Swindon Advertiser. “Lee Beard is my new manager and he has a good stronghold in America and is very experienced in the game.

“If it comes off then to fight in America would be very exciting for me.

“I’m hoping something will be confirmed in the next few weeks but it would be great to make a name for myself out in America.”

The 27-year-old admits his next fight is unlikely to be a title fight but says he is ready to fight anyone and that includes Billy Joe Saunders.

“I’m ready to fight anyone,” claimed Cox. “If the fight in New Jersey happens then I guess it would likely be an eight rounder although it might be for some sort of title.

“I don’t know what happened with the Billy Joe Saunders fight. I don’t think he wants it anymore. He was up for it before he got the injury but we’ve made it clear that we’ll take the fight but it’s all gone quiet at his end.

“So long as the money is right, I’ll fight Billy on his terms. I’ll fight him anywhere, with any colour shorts or gloves but I really don’t think he wants it.

“I think that is a fight for the future now so that’s why we’re looking at another route out in America.

“Lee (Beard) is keen to get me out as soon as possible and he’s keen to get me out fighting in the States.

“He’s worked with some big names and I’m confident he will get me where I need to be.”