Fight spokesman Eric Gelfand would not give the reason for the decision by the New York State Athletic Commission, but one TV station reported it was because Akinwande had hepatitis.

The Showtime network, which was to televise the fight, confirmed Akinwande had been sidelined and the fight was off.

Spokeswoman Robin Walker said: "The New York State Athletic Commission has confirmed that Henry Akinwande has tested positive for Hepatitis B and the main even has been called off.

She said Akinwande was tested on Tuesday and the result was released on Friday.

The British challenger stood to make up to $2.5m in his bid to take Holyfield's World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles.

Holyfield's loss is greater. The champion was to earn about $10m from the fight, which most observers expected him to win.

Athletic Commission rules do not allow boxers with hepatitis to fight, because of the risk of passing it on through blood during bouts.