BALLARAT will be a base for a bid to reclaim the Australian professional heavyweight boxing title.Justin Whitehead, former heavyweight champion of Australia, will train at Ian Fear’s boxing gym in Wendouree as he considers a return to the ring.Whitehead vacated the Australian title in June, however it has not been claimed after a title fight between Mick Kirby and Ben Edwards ended in a draw. As the most recent holder of the heavyweight crown he has first claims on a title fight to be reinstated. The 40-year-old, who owns a chicken and seafood business in Bendigo, is considering an expansion into Ballarat, and has already started training here along with the junior boxers in Fear’s stable. “It (an attempt to reclaim the heavyweight title) could be heading that way,” Whitehead said. “It is up in the air. I retired briefly which is why I vacated the title. Because it remained vacant I have the chance to retain it. “I’ve known Ian (Fear) for quite a while. He has a lot of respect in the sport and a couple of the boys I know train with him. I have a friend in Ballarat who is ill, and I see him regularly so it will be a good place to train and base myself when in Ballarat. “Realistically, as a 40-year-old, I’ll have to see how it goes before I decide when and if I’ll fight. Heavyweights don’t reach their peak until about 35 so it’s all about conditioning. “In the meantime, if I can help boxing in Ballarat I’d love to.”Whitehead has had six fights for six wins (two by knockout) since turning pro. He won the World Boxing Foundation Asia-Pacific heavyweight title in 2009 when he defeated Kim Heta in a unanimous points victory, and the WBF international title the same year when he beat Solomon Haumono in a split decision. He then became Australian heavyweight champion last year after defeating Colin Wilson. Prior to that, the 195cm right hander had nine years as an amatuer fighter, claiming the Australian title three times and earning a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.Whitehead sparred with Ryan Dodgshun last week.Dodgshun, who is Victorian intermediate amateur cruiserweight champion, would hope to fight on the same card as Whitehead, if a fight for the heavyweight championship were arranged.