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Boxing

Sprott withdraws from Skelton clash

22/05/2007

Michael Sprott has been forced to pull out of Saturday's all-British heavyweight affair against Matt Skelton after sustaining a leg injury during training.

The fight was due to headline the bill at London's ExCel Arena but the news means that the whole show will now be postponed with an alternative opponent for Commonwealth champion Skelton unavailable at such short notice.

"It's a big disappointment to the fans and everyone involved, but an acceptable replacement could not found at this late stage. When Michael is fully fit a new date will be announced," said promoter Frank Warren.

The delay means fight fans will have to wait a little longer for the eagerly-anticipated rematch between the pair, the winner of which has been promised a world title shot by Warren.

Skelton stopped Sprott over 11 rounds in April 2004 in a bruising encounter to claim the British and Commonwealth belts.

The wait may not be long however with Sprott advised that he can resume training in a couple of weeks.

"I'm absolutely gutted. Following my [February] win over Audley Harrison I was looking to build on it and hopefully get a world title fight, but that is on hold now," Sprott said.

"I really wanted to fight on but the pain was too severe to continue training and I would not have been fully fit in time to take Skelton on."

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