Billy Joe Saunders pulls out of world title defence

WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (23-0, 12 KOs) has pulled out of his world title defence against Max Bursak (32-4-1, 15 KOs) after suffering a left hand injury during a training session.

The British southpaw was due to defend his belt for the first time against Ukrainian Bursak on April 30 at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Saunders, 26, won the title when he outpointed Ireland's Andy Lee last December. He knocked down Lee twice in the third round on the way to a majority decision victory.

"I'm bitterly disappointed. This is boxing and these things happen," said Saunders.
"Now it's about recovering properly and looking forward to a big 2016."

The April 30 card will still go ahead with British heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (19-0, 10 KOs), the 21-year-old cousin of Tyson Fury, moving into the main event. Fury will take on Fred Kassi (18-4-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBO International heavyweight title.