Chris Male won't give up English title

Cradley's Chris Male was today refusing to give up on his dream of becoming the English featherweight champion - but the title may move on without him.

The 29-year-old pulled out of his shot against Joe Murray next Saturday night, after suffering a suspected torn rotator cuff in training.

The punching postman will undergo an MRI scan on Wednesday but the title fight may still go on, if a replacement challenger can be found.

Ricky Hatton's promotional company had earmarked the bout as chief support on a Sky Sports bill at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.

They are loathe to lose the contest but have so far hit stumbling blocks in replacing Male, with Liam Richards already turning an offer down.

Richards, from Melksham in Wiltshire, had no chance of safely making the weight at less than two weeks notice before fight night.

It leaves Male clinging to the hope that the title will remain vacant, as the Hattons could yet opt to put Murray in an international eight-rounder.

Their bout could even be resurrected when Male recovers, in what would be the third date set, after the original fight was called off in November.

Male said: "The first time it got called off, I was raring to go. This time, unfortunately, it's me who has had to pull out through injury.

"I just want my shot, I can't control what they do and, if he had pulled out, I would want to fight someone else for the title.

"When I am at my best, I am a match for any featherweight in the country and I will fight any of them.

"As long as I can fight the winner, I am happy, whether that's Murray or somebody else."

Male versus Murray was expected to be a battle of two of the most promising featherweights in the country.

Murray boxed in the 2008 Olympic Games while Male is undefeated in 11 - including a win over Richards - as a pro.

But injured has robbed 'the Male Man' of his chance to compete and he admits he's still devastated.

He said: "I have been playing it over and over in my mind, this was the fight I wanted but I can't do it, as much I want to.

"I wouldn't want to get in there and not do myself justice, this was it for me and I couldn't be at any less than my best.

"I can hardly even drive properly, never mind throw punches in a title fight against one of the best prospects in the country.

"Look at Joe Calzaghe, how many times did he hurt himself and pull out? It happens, it's a contact sport.

"I am absolutely gutted and it's a nightmare, but it's just one of those things. I have got to accept it."