THE frustration could finally be over for Jamie Cox with the Swindon boxer poised to sign a deal to fight for the WBO European title and the prestigious British crown.

Cox’s last fight was in June when he outpointed Matiouze Royer at Swindon’s Oasis Leisure - a bout that saw the southpaw return to the ring after a 21-month absence.

Now the 27-year-old is nearing almost another year of inactivity after match-ups against Billy Joe Saunders and one of Britiain’s top four middleweights fell through.

Cox revealed he and his manager Lee Beard are in negotiations with one of the UK’s top promoters to secure a three-fight deal which could include a shot at the British light-middleweight title. Prior to that however, Cox would have to come through a WBO European title bout in mid May.

“I’ve had to go back and work with one of the bigger promoters because it is all down to business and politics and it is a lot easier when you have one of the big leading contenders on your side,” Cox told the Swindon Advertiser.

“It looks like I’ll be working with one of them (the UK’s biggest promoters) and as soon as I get one of these fights out of the way then the ball will start rolling. It’s just about getting some clout so that people can’t avoid me anymore.

“If this fight comes off it would be a three-fight deal with the British title included. Fingers-crossed it will come off because I’ve been out for a while.

“I’d expect to have two fights, maybe three, this year and one would be the British title if I win the world interim fight. It opens doors, and by the end of the year it would be nice to be the British champion.”

The former Commonwealth light-middleweight champion admitted it has been a frustrating period for him but claims he is still in top shape following sparring sessions with British welterweight star Amir Khan.

“It’s been annoying because I want to fight again,” Cox added. “I’ll fight at light-middle or middleweight and against anyone at British level, it’s just about fighting for titles now and getting involved in some big fights.

“They (Amir’s team) contacted my manager because they obviously wanted a southpaw (in readiness for his fight with Luis Collazo) and for them to ask for me is a privilege in itself. I sparred for a couple of weeks and Virgil Hunter (Amir’s trainer) was there and was really impressed with me. Even Amir and Virgil said they couldn’t get that sparring in America which was good, positive feedback.

“It’s been a difficult time being inactive for so long but thanks to my sponsor F N Foods, my friends and family, and the Advertiser itself for supporting me and standing by me during this quiet period. Hopefully now I can liven it up a bit.”