The British Boxing Board of Control have told dethroned British welterweight champion Kevin McIntyre he should have relinquished his belt in return for a guaranteed chance to reclaim it.
The BBBC yesterday upheld their decision to strip the Scotsman of his title and told him he is not guaranteed challenger status.
After a back injury twice ruled McIntyre out of his defence against Sheffield fighter Kell Brook, the board ruled Broo
k should instead fight Barrie Jones.
A disgusted McIntyre, who made his first defence against former champion Kevin Anderson in February, claimed the decision could force boxers to risk their safety.
BBBC general secretary Simon Block said: "The board do not usually strip a champion of his title for a genuine injury on one occasion. Once it happens a second time, then the board have to give it very serious consideration.
"If all parties had agreed and said 'can we put this fight on at a later date?' the board would probably have agreed. That didn't happen. Kell Brook wasn't happy, he was twice in training. (Promoter) Frank Warren wasn't happy, he has obligations to Setanta and he already had to postpone one date.
"Kevin could have agreed to voluntarily relinquish the belt in return for preferred status as challenger. He chose not to accept the offer made to him."
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 268 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
