CARL FRAMPTON’S WBC title eliminator with Andres Gutierrez has taken another twist as it was announced tonight that the fight is off.
The Belfast boxer was scheduled to face his Mexican opponent in front of a sell-out crowd at the SSE Arena in his hometown on Saturday.
It was to be Frampton’s first outing since losing his WBA featherweight belt to Leo Santa Cruz in a rematch back in January, and a first bout in Belfast in over two years.
Earlier today, 30-year-old Frampton missed weight – meaning the fight would no longer serve as a title eliminator.
And tonight, it has come to light that Gutierrez returned to his hotel room after the weigh-ins, where he slipped in the shower and suffered injuries to his head, nose, teeth and chin.
After an examination, the medical team has opted against giving him the all-clear to fight.
“Cyclone Promotions and The SSE Arena regret to announce that the “Return of The Jackal” event scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 29th July, has been cancelled due to an accident to Andres Gutierrez,” reads a statement released by the promotion.
“It is hoped that the event will be re-scheduled but ticket holders are advised to retain their tickets and contact point of purchase for further information. Please listen out for announcements on local radio stations or check www.ssearenabelfast.com for updates.
We very much regret the inconvenience caused.”
Andres Gutierrez explains the accident that lead to his fight with Carl Frampton being called off. Read more here https://t.co/yNg4QOKE2X pic.twitter.com/26rkMj0cLX
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) July 28, 2017
“I’m disappointed, gutted,” Frampton told BBC Sport NI. “It was a freak accident and unfortunately you can’t really write things like this.
“I’ve just seen Andres there and for the fighter’s safety there’s no way that he could box. It’s a dangerous sport and I don’t think physically he should be allowed to box.
“I’d like to apologise for me being unprofessional and missing the weight. I did everything I could to get to the nine stone limit but it just seems to be getting harder.”
