Hughie Fury pulled out of Michael Pirotton dust-up by the British Boxing Board of Control

Hughie Fury has been dealt yet more injury frustration after the British Boxing Board Of Control opted to pull him from his scheduled clash with Michael Pirotton this weekend due to a troublesome hand injury.

The former world heavyweight title challenger, and cousin of Tyson Fury, was scheduled to tackle the tricky Belgian on the undercard of Shakan Pitters vs Brad Rea on Saturday night.

However, despite the fighter's insistence that his problematic metacarpal issue had been resolved, the BBBOC have declined to sign him off, meaning his upcoming bout has been cancelled.

Fury sustained the injury during his stoppage success over Dan Garber in April, and was subsequently treated at the Lawton House medical centre in Congleton, Cheshire.

Despite Fury' stance that he was fit and ready to return to action this weekend, the British boxing governing body requested a report from Dr Tom Rigby on the current condition of his hand, with the document suggesting a full rehabilitation period had not been completed.

"Hughie did not want to withdraw from this bout and was adamant he was more than ready to compete and win," a spokesman for Team Fury stated on Monday.

The British Board of Boxing Control takes the health and safety of boxers very seriously and would not countenance Hughie competing until his hand is fully healed.

- Team Fury Spokesman

"Hughie is upset that he has been withdrawn from the card but he respects the Board’s decision.

"He will continue to stay in fighting shape and is targeting a return to the ring around late August or early September. He remains focused on his goal of becoming world heavyweight champion in 2026."

The Cheshire-based star has endured numerous injury setbacks since his world title clash with former WBO champion Joseph Parker in September 2017.

He fought just once between October 2021 and April last year, but has since managed to stay active and edge himself back up the heavyweight world rankings.

A comprehensive points win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko last spring has been followed by more emphatic triumphs over Patrick Korte, Christian Thun and Garber over the past 12 months.

A victory over Pirotton this weekend would have likely lured a bigger name opponent into action later in the year, but with that fight being pulled from Saturday's GBM bill, it remains to be seen as to whether it will have any major affect on his plans for a world title shot next year.

Mark Mothershaw

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