BOXER John Wheatley has vowed to keep fighting – despite having surgery on a career-threatening eye injury.

The 28-year-old professional, from Harwich, broke the orbital bone in his left eye during a sparring session in November.

He was left in excruciating pain and has had to have two operations at Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital.

However, far from being deterred, he is determined to carry on boxing – and says “nothing will stop him” in his quest to be successful.

“It was a worrying time and I feared I wouldn’t be able to box again,” he said.

“To be given the green light to start training again was a massive relief.

“I always wanted to carry on and would box with one eye, if that’s what it took.

“I’ve put so much into this and my whole life is geared towards becoming a successful pro.

“I’ve made sacrifices and big decisions, like quitting the army, and tailored my lifestyle accordingly.

“That’s why I can’t let this stop me.

“I see it more as a bump in the road and another part of my journey, in terms of getting where I want to get.

“If anything, it’s made me more determined.

“When I’ve had difficult times in the past, it’s galvanised me. It’s a life experience and something that will make me a tougher person and therefore a tougher boxer, certainly mentally.”

Wheatley, who won senior elite Essex and Eastern Counties titles in 2014, hit the headlines in October after becoming Harwich’s first professional boxer in almost 80 years.

In his first fight since progressing from the amateur ranks, he defeated Matt Seawright in a welterweight bout at Grays Civic Hall.

The pair did battle over six rounds, with the former winning courtesy of a referee’s decision.

However, the following month he was struck down by his injury during a sparring session in Colchester.

“It was a good, tidy session and nip-and-tuck,” said Wheatley.

“There was nothing between us, until he caught me with a punch to my eye.

“The pain was excruciating – the worst I’ve experienced in my life.

“When it started to swell up, I was taken to hospital and I’ve since had two operations in Chelmsford.

“Thankfully, both went well and I’m on the road back to full fitness.

“At the moment I’m concentrating on fitness work and then we’ll move on to light sparring.

“I dare say I’ll be a bit nervous when that happens, but it’s just something I’ve got to get through.”

If everything goes well, Wheatley hopes to have his second pro fight in the next few months, in the first half of the year.

He said he was grateful for the support he has received from sponsors Shakers Bar, D Robertson Landscapes, Dovercourt DIY and Concord Properties.