Sean McComb pointed to his world ranking as the reason he considered it too risky to fight Anthony Yigit due to injury and illness in Belfast later this month.
The popular southpaw was due to make two fights in less than two months on Matchroom and Conlan Boxing’s Ulster Hall card on January 27.
However, this week it was confirmed that his proposed fight with Yigit will not be on the poster; in fact, the Belfast man will not appear at all.
As well as a hand problem, the 31-year-old has suffered illness in recent weeks and it was felt that a fight in January with a former European champion at both their expense might be too risky.
‘The Public Nuisance’ has rebuilt admirably since his loss to Gavin Gywne and heads into 2024 with a WBO world ranking.
With a world title fight closer than ever, his team felt it was wrong to take an unnecessary risk.
Speaking online, McComb explained:
“Believe me, I was really excited to be so active!
“I’ve had a hand injury for a while after training and fighting for the last 12 months! I’ve gotten my way so far, and with very little rest between two fights, it’s been too much, too soon!
“On top of that, I was sick (bedridden) for 5 days last week, which inevitably made my team and I decide to pull out.
“I’m No. 7 in the world with the WBO, and I’ve worked too hard to get to this position only to throw it away.”