In a relatively big blow to boxing fans, those in Sheffield in particular, Kell Brook has had to pull out of his October 24th clash with Diego Chaves. Brook recently suffered a rib injury during a sparring session, which he subsequently had to receive hospital treatment for.
The original Brook vs Chaves card will go ahead regardless, with Chris Eubank Jr and Tony Jeter topping the Sheffield Arena bill. In the co-support, Gavin McDonnell will still defend his European Bantamweight strap against former world title challenger Jeremy Parodi. Not an awful card, but you know, the whole thing seems a bit lacklustre with IBF champ Brook and slugger Chaves missing.
“It’s always a bitter blow when an injury causes a fight to be postponed, especially so close to the event,” Eddie Hearn, of Matchroom Boxing, told RingTV. “Kell picked up a rib injury in sparring yesterday and spent most of the day in hospital. Kell was desperate to fight but it was simply impossible and we will now look to reschedule the bout for the end of the year.”
Obviously this is bad news for Matchroom Boxing, who are now facing a backlash from fans chasing refunds for tickets. My guess is Brook vs Chaves refunds will not be issued at all when the promoter makes its official statement on Monday. However, there’s always the off chance partial refunds will be given.
Whatever happens, the night looks to be a lot duller with Sheffield’s finest out of action. Now, I’ve said it before and I’ll ask the same question again: is boxing in 2015 cursed by injuries?
