Doherty-Whitehead area title fight is off

Whitehead (left)…devastated by the news

THE mouth-watering Midlands super-middleweight title fight between Jarrett Doherty and Ryan Whitehead – scheduled for Dudley Town Hall on June 10 – is off.

But the show will go on, BCB Promotions has assured fans.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Telford’s Whitehead, unbeaten in four, announced the contest had been cancelled. He informed fans on social media, Birmingham’s Doherty had been forced to pull out with a hand injury.

No late title opponent has, understandably, surfaced for 29-year-old Ryan at this late stage.

It’s a body-blow for both men. To them, the vacant area championship fight carried the significance of a world title belt.

Doherty, who has lost two of six, saw the golden opportunity as a way of truly rekindling a career following a break from the ring. After four years away, he had put together three wins under the McCrackens.

Both boxers have toiled for weeks in the gym – all for nothing.

BCB confirmed the bout is no longer on the town hall bill. As yet there has been no comment from the McCrackens or Doherty.

Doherty…a golden opportunity has been scuppered

Whitehead is understandably devastated.

On facebook, he posted: “Absolutely gutted to be writing this, I’ve put so much into this camp financially, physically and mentally.

“My opponent has damaged his hand and withdrawn from the contest and we are unable to find a replacement.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me and purchased a ticket. Due to having no confirmed fight date on the horizon, I will be issuing full refunds.

“Please don’t message me to just ask a load of questions on why he’s pulled as, right now, it’s the last thing I want to go over.”