26.07.04 – British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion MATT SKELTON has been ruled out of his fight this Friday (30 July) at the York Hall against Alfred Cole due to a viral infection. The undefeated Bedford puncher was scheduled to face Cole in a ten-round contest but was struck down with an infection last week leaving him unable to train.
After seeking medical advice, Skelton was told to withdraw from the fight and rest until further notice.
Skelton said, “I am very disappointed that I’ve have been forced to pull out of a fight for the first time in my career but I have listened to the advice given to me by the doctors and my team and realise that this is the best thing to do.
“I was looking forward to this fight against Cole as I saw it as a test to see how I would cope with my first American opponent who has a wealth of experience behind him,
“My training was going fantastic and then last week I was struck down with the virus which has left me very weak and unable to train.”
“As people know I am fanatical about my training and am rarely out of the gym plus I have fought regularly without taking rests in between. My immune system was apparently very low which has made me susceptible to viruses that are virulent at this time of the year.”
“I will now take a good rest and go on holiday and return to training in full health. I apologise to my fans who were looking forward to see me fight but I’m sure they will understand.”
Rumours were circulating last week that Cole had pulled out of the fight due to Visa problems but this is untrue.
GRAHAM EARL will still headline the show with the second defence of his British Lightweight Title against STEVE MURRAY.