FORMER WBO super-welterweight champion Liam Smith has been forced out of a challenge for the world title he used to hold. He was due to fight the new champion Sadam Ali in Verona in the United States on May 12.
Smith has had an allergic reaction and after falling ill finds himself unable to compete.
He wants to reschedule the fight but reports indicate that Golden Boy, Ali’s promoter, is looking at alternative opponents.
Ali won the belt in an upset victory over Miguel Cotto last year and wants to capitalise on his new found prominence.
“I’m bitterly disappointed that I have been forced to postpone my fight with Sadam Ali to a later date,” said Smith. “A recent illness has severely impacted on my training schedule, leaving me with no choice but to postpone the May 12 date.
“I’ve been out of training for eight days. We’re not sure exactly what was wrong with me but it appears to be some sort of allergic reaction. I’m not injured and I’m hoping that the fight can be rescheduled quickly.
“I’m gutted for Ali and all of the fans that were looking forward to watching the fight. I’d like to thank Golden Boy promotions and my promoter Frank Warren for working on a new date for the fight.
“Ali is a world class fighter and I need to be fully prepared for when I step in the ring with him. I want to give the fans a fight to remember.”
