Billy Joe Saunders v Martin Murray postponed due to injury, new date announced

Billy Joe Saunders has suffered a hand injury in training, meaning his proposed April 14th bout with Martin Murray at the O2 Arena in London will now take place on June 23rd at the same venue.

Saunders, who was intending to defend his WBO middleweight world title on the card, explained: “I felt my hand go during a session this week and sought medical advice immediately. Unfortunately I’ve been told that I can’t punch anything for four weeks so we’ve been left with no choice but to withdraw. I’m gutted for Martin and I’m gutted for the fans.

“This is an extremely tough sport and these things can happen. It is vital that I’m firing on all cylinders heading into this fight, but for now it’s all about recovering properly and focusing on the new June 23rd date.”

Promoter Frank Warren reacted to the postponement, saying: “It is extremely frustrating as tickets were going very well and we were all geared up for a fantastic evening of boxing on April 14th. I apologise to all of the fans that have bought tickets for the April 14th date, but all original tickets will be valid for the new June 23rd date.”

The majority of the undercard including Anthony Yarde, Daniel Dubois and Ohara Davies has also been moved to June 23rd, however Terry Flanagan’s vacant WBO super-lightweight world title fight with Maurice Hooker will find a new date.

“I am speaking with Hooker’s representative Dino Duva and we will be making an announcement this week on where and when this fight takes place,” revealed Warren.

“It is not straightforward as this is an ordered fight for a vacant title, but we are working hard to get everything sorted and our priority is to secure Terry his chance to become a two-weight world champion.”