THE DISAPPOINTING NEWS broke yesterday that WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee’s title defence against Billy Joe Saunders had been postponed for a second time after the challenger suffered a cut while sparring.

Their original fight was set to take place on the 19 September in Thomond Park but it was scrapped last month when Lee picked up a virus. The fight was then moved to 10 October at the Manchester Arena as part of an exciting world title triple-header but an unfortunate injury has scuppered plans once again.

Saunders has taken to Twitter today to apologise to the fans and to his opponent but promised a new date will be announced soon. He also shared a photo of the injury, which required 10 stitches.

Promoter Frank Warren said he now hopes the fight can take place in late November at a date and venue to be confirmed, with Lee hinting that it could be in London.

There is still a chance Lee, who hasn’t boxed since April when he drew on points with Peter Quillin in a non-title bout, could feature in another non-title bout if Saunders is told his cut won’t be healed until by late November or early December.

Originally published at 11.45am

Read: One of Ireland’s most popular fighters has been added to the UFC Dublin card

Read: ‘It’s a pretty serious cut’: Andy Lee speaks about postponed Saunders fight