Luke Paddock out of Midlands title defence
Bloxwich's Luke Paddock has been ruled out of his Midlands light welterweight title fight at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Saturday night.
The reigning champion was due to make his first defence of the belt, but a norovirus has forced him to withdraw,
The illness rendered him unable to train and caused a significant loss of weight, which makes it unsafe for him to box even if he recovers in time.
As the title holder, the contest cannot go on without him, leaving Andy Keates disappointed after coming in as a replacement for Chris Truman.
Aston's Truman, the mandatory challenger, pulled out for a second time after injuring his shoulder in sparring, which got Keates the call.
The two would have resumed their old rivalry from the amateurs, where Paddock won one of four contests between them in the vest.
But three Midlands title fights are still on as planned, while a host of former area champions have been invited to watch the action from ringside.
Nigel Rafferty, Jamie Ball, Tristan Davies, Mark Lloyd, Martin Gethin and Young Mutley - the latter two going on to win British crowns - are all due to attend.
A grudge Black Country derby will see Midlands light middleweight boss Jason Welborn, from Rowley Regis, defends against Dudley's Ryan Aston in the main event.
Vacant area straps also go up-for-grabs as Andrew Robinson battles with 'Prince' David Davis at super middle, while Paul Holt takes on Bobby Jenkinson at feather.
For more information and tickets, call the Civic box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157. A number will be available on the door.
