Tim Tszyu's blockbuster world-title fight with Jermell Charlo has been postponed after his American opponent broke his left hand in training.
Tszyu had been scheduled to fight for undisputed super-welterweight honours in Las Vegas on January 28.
But Charlo broke his left hand in two places - between the pinkie and ring finger and at the base of the thumb - after landing a punch in sparring at his gym in Houston on Tuesday.
After visiting two doctors and a hand specialist, the champion's hand has been placed in a cast, where it will remain. After it is removed, he will begin rehabilitation before resuming his training.
"I was sparring, and I threw this nice punch and as soon as it landed, I knew something was wrong. I felt my hand throbbing right away,'" Charlo said.
"I had two X-rays and an MRI to see what was wrong. It showed it was broken in two places. I hate this feeling.
"My hand will be in a cast for two months. I'm as disappointed as the fans, maybe more, because this was my first chance to defend the undisputed title."
The trash-talking Charlo claimed even with one hand he would still have beaten Tszyu.
"But the doctors and the boxing commission won't allow that," the American said.
"It's even more dangerous when a lion faces adversity and has to come back to defend the pride.
"I've been training since July, and I've been hitting harder than ever, and these are the things that happen when you push yourself to the limits.
"After my hand heals, I'm coming back stronger than ever to defend my legacy."
When the fight is rescheduled, Tszyu will attempt to become the first Australian boxer in the 18-year four-belt era to become an undisputed world champion.
The 28-year-old is trying to emulate his father Kostya in becoming a unified world boxing champion.
He has been based in Los Angeles since late November preparing for the fight.
He will remain in the US, with Team Tszyu now hoping to find the challenger another fight in February.
"Very disappointed," Tszyu said. "Felt like the stars aligned for undisputed ... but we move on.
"(I'm) ready to take to the next mandatory challenger. I'll be back for Charlo once he is ready and healed."
