Birmingham boxing bill is called off

Next week's boxing show involving West Bromwich's Marcus Portman and Cannock's Dave Egan at the New Bingley Hall in Birmingham has been cancelled.

Egan will now make his professional debut 24 hours later than advertised, next Saturday night, after switching the fight to Walsall Town Hall.

It's the only pro show in the West Midlands next weekend after the Dave Coldwell-promoted bill in Birmingham was called off through pull outs.

But Portman, who was set to headline against hometown fighter Nasser Al Harbi, could also see his fight saved and moved across to Walsall.

Negotiations are ongoing today about the light middleweight 10-rounder but the final decision is expected to lie with the Al Harbi camp.

Portman was orginally due to compete on the Walsall bill before taking the Al Harbi fight, stepping in to replace West Bromwich's Young Mutley.

Mutley – real name Lee Woodley – pulled out through work commitments and Portman's presence left Al Harbi facing a southpaw.

It's Portman's first fight for 12 months and only his fourth in three years so the 31-year-old is desperate to face his undefeated rival.

The former WBU world champion has previously challenged for the British and Commonwealth light middleweight titles.

Egan's presence on the Walsall bill will take the place of another welterweight contest, Brierley Hill's Kyle Spencer versus Andrew Patterson.

Spencer pulled out today after injuring his neck in training and Brummie Patterson is from Egan's gym, so a new opponent will be found.

Tickets are available from Walsall Town Hall or by calling the box office on 0845 111 2900.