The Sidelines : Mason to Fight After Operation

British heavyweight champion Gary Mason will face James Pritchard of Louisville, Ky., in a non-title fight next month at the Royal Albert Hall, Mason’s first fight since an eye operation in March.

Mason last fought March 14 and underwent surgery the next day for a detached retina. He was cleared by doctors and British fighting officials last month to resume fighting and has been training in Florida.

Mason, who at 27 is two years younger than Pritchard, has won all 34 of his professional fights.

Pritchard has fought recently at cruiserweight as well as heavyweight and is expected to enter the Dec. 12 fight significantly lighter than the 238-pound Mason.