Injured Saunders postpones WBO title defence

LONDON (Reuters): Britain’s WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders has postponed his title defence against Martin Murray next month after suffering a hand injury in training.

The fight with compatriot Murray was scheduled for London’s O2 Arena on April 14 but will now take place on June 23.

Saunders has defended his title three times, most recently against David Lemieux in Canada in December.

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

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