Callum Smith has been forced out of his light-heavyweight clash with Pawel Stepien at the M&S Bank Arena next weekend after picking up an injury.
Smith was set to fight for the first time since August 2022 as he seeks to hold onto his mandatory position for Artur Beterbiev’s WBC light-heavyweight title.
Since 'Mundo' lost his WBA world title to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in the 168lb ranks – the sole defeat of his professional career – he has enjoyed success up at 175lb in the form of two stoppage wins against Gilbert Castillo Rivera and Mathieu Bauderlique.
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Matchroom, in a statement, did not reveal the type of injury Smith has picked up, or how long he is set to be out for. However, the show on Saturday, March 11, will still go ahead as planned.
Diego Pacheco’s WBO international super-middleweight title showdown with Jack Cullen, and Robbie Davies Jr’s super-lightweight fight with Darragh Foley will now co-headline the card.
Super-bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail (6-0, 5 KOs) will also make his highly anticipated Matchroom debut, while Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) will also feature on the undercard.
Matchroom have also confirmed that refunds for tickets purchased for the event are available from the original point of purchase.
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