Dalton Smith injury forces Jon Fernandez fight cancellation

DALTON Smith’s vacant super-lightweight European title fight with Jon Fernandez on September 28 has been officially cancelled by promoters Matchroom.

Initial reports on Friday suggested that due to an undisclosed injury to Smith the main event would be moved, but the rest of the card could possibly still go ahead at the Utilita Arena as planned.

Heavyweight Johnny Fisher was rumoured to be the new September headliner, possibly at an alternative venue. Matchroom’s cancellation communique stated that “An announcement on a new fight night in the UK will follow in due course”.

Smith was keen to build on a career-best win over Jose Zepeda in March and turned his attention to European title glory after former champion Adam Azim vacated the belt to accept a proposed bout with Harlem Eubank.

Spain’s Fernandez was viewed as a solid, heavy-handed test who recently told Boxing News how excited he was for a chance that will now have to wait.