Robbie Regan must be one of Britain's unluckiest boxers. Only months after coming back from a two-year lay-off caused by illness he has had to pull out of his latest title defence after failing a brain scan.

The British Boxing Board of Control called off the Welshman's WBO bantamweight championship fight with Colombia's Jorge Julio in Cardiff on Saturday after the result of the MRI scan was revealed.

The 29-year-old from Blackwood, Gwent, was told on Wednesday the board's doctors were not satisfied with the results of his annual medical and refused him permission to fight on the bill, which is being topped by fellow Welshman Joe Calzaghe.

Second opinion

Regan and his manager and trainer, Dai Gardiner, asked for a second opinion and this was granted, but after travelling to London for a further check-up on Thursday he was told he could not fight.

MRI scans are now compulsory for all boxers in Britain

A spokesman for promoter Frank Warren's Sports Network company, Anne-Marie Hudson, said: "Frank is trying desperately to contact the WBO in an effort to find a new opponent for Julio, but with so little time available, it seems unlikely we'll succeed."

Warren is angry the MRI scans were left until the week of the fight and said: "What annoys me is that it was taken so late. These medicals should have been taken a couple of weeks ago but that is something I will be taking up with the board."

It is a crushing blow for Regan, who has not fought since he claimed a points victory over Daniel Jimenez to take the title in Cardiff in April 1996.

In the interim he has been hit by a succession of illnesses and was eventually diagnosed as suffering from a glandular fever-related problem, although he has now fully recovered.

Opponents withdrew at late stage

Even when fit and with fights lined up he has seen scheduled opponents withdraw at a late stage.

Regan's promoter Frank Warren is disappointed

Gardiner said: "This latest blow is an absolute sickener. He's gutted naturally. I've trained him six times for this fight and each time it has been called off.

"He's finally clear of the effects of the virus that hit him and now this happens. It's heartbreaking."

Career could be over

The BBBC has not revealed the reason for failing Regan but it seems his professional career could be over without once defending his world crown.

Five years ago the board refused permission for Northern Ireland's Ray Close to fight in this country when he failed a brain scan.

He moved to America -- where the restrictions are laxer -- and is still fighting.

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©