Chris Male pulls out of Troy James fight
Cradley's Chris Male has pulled out of his British title eliminator with Coventry's Troy James at Dudley's the Venue with a calf injury.
The two former challengers to the English crown, at featherweight and super feather respectively, had been due to meet on Saturday September 14.
But James will still box a 10-rounder on the bill for a Masters title, having already started his training camp for the bill in anticipation of the contest.
For Male, it's the latest in a catalogue of injuries that have cost him big fights since turning pro in 2008 with a badly broken hand, torn rotator cuff and now calf problems.
He said: "It's really disappointing, I was sparring Steven Pearce and we came out of an exchange and I just landed awkwardly. I couldn't walk for three days.
"I haven't been able to train for over a week and the physio has said it's a high-level muscle strain. It's just one of those freak injuries. I'm gutted."
James is equally disappointed it won't be Male in the other corner, as his chance to get a stop closer to the British title has gone with the opponent.
He said: "My focus has always been on a British title shot.I have been working towards Male, so it's disappointing that that fight is off.
"But all I can do is go out there and pick up a Masters belt."
Two of Male's stable-mates from Shaun Cooper's gym in Brierley Hall still appear on a three-fight under-card which includes traveller Lance Brooks, trained by Dudley's Paul Gough.
Steven Pearce boxes for the first time since losing his Midlands welterweight title in a compelling seventh round stoppage to Sam Eggington in May's all-Stourbridge battle.
It will be a short trip to the venue for Brierley Hill's Kyle 'the Style' Spencer, 23, a light middleweight growing in stature after six straights wins since turning pro in October 2011.
Brooks returned to boxing after a three-year break this year and the 26-year-old welterweight will be going for his third victory, having turned pro way back in March 2010.
Tickets are priced at £55 to include a sumptuous three-course meal. VIP ringside tables of 10 are available at £100 per person to include the meal and complimentary bottles of wine.
British lightweight champion Martin Gethin, and former British welterweight title holder Young Mutley will mingle with guests in the VIP section.
To purchase, call either 07780 505 743 or 07581 131 745.
