Billy Joe Saunders vs Martin Murray postponed after WBO middleweight champion suffers hand injury in training

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS has injured his hand and his fight against Martin Murray on April 14 is OFF.

The current WBO middleweight champ will now defend his title against the experienced Mancunian on June 23 at London's o2 Arena.

Saunders was headlining the Frank Warren - promoted show at The o2 in April, but that has now been cancelled and move to June.

The card has been switched two months later in its entirety, with the exception of Terry Flanagan's WBO super-lightweight title clash against Maurice Hooker.

A new date for that clash is yet to be decided.

Saunders injured his hand in a training session, and was then told by a doctor that he can't punch anything for a minimum four weeks.

The 28-year-old from Hertfordshire has had previous issues with his hands that has seen him have two operations.

He will now make the fourth defence of his WBO crown against Murray in June, topping an action-packed card that features Anthony Yarde, Daniel Dubois, Ohara Davies and a host of other exciting  match-ups.

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Saunders said: “I’m gutted for Martin and I’m gutted for the fans.

“I felt my hand go during a session this week and sought medical advice immediately.

"Unfortunately I’ve been told that I can’t punch anything for four weeks so we’ve been left with no choice but to withdraw from the date.

“I’d like to thank my promoter Frank Warren for quickly sorting a new date for the fight.

"My trainer Dominic Ingle will make sure that I’m fit and prepared to put on another show on June 23.

“This is an extremely tough sport and these things can happen. It is vital that I’m firing on all cylinders heading into this fight but for now it’s all about recovering properly and focusing on the new date.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “It is extremely frustrating as tickets were going very well and we were all geared up for a fantastic evening of boxing on April 14.

“I apologise to all of the fans that have bought tickets for the April 14 date but all original tickets will be valid for the new June 23 date.

“We are also working on a new date for the WBO super-lightweight world title fight between Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker.

"I am speaking with Hooker’s representative Dino Duva and we will be making an announcement this week on where and when this fight takes place.

“It is not straightforward as this is an ordered fight for a vacant title but we are working hard to get everything sorted and our priority is to secure Terry his chance to become a two-weight world champion."

All original tickets will be valid for new Saturday 23 June date. If you are unable to make the new date, fans can contact their point of purchase should they require a refund during the next 14 days.