Injury forces Sprott out of Skelton title challenge

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Sprott, who knocked out Audley Harrison in February, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. The pain was too severe to continue training.

"Following my great win over Audley Harrison I was looking to build on it and hopefully get a world title fight but that is on hold now.

"I really wanted to fight on but the pain was too severe to continue training and I would not have been fully fit in time to take Skelton on. The decision was made by my team and I respect that.

"I now aim to fully recover from this injury and resume training and await a new date."

Promoter Frank Warren said he had been unable to line up a replacement opponent at such a late stage.

He added: "I await news of Michael's treatment and when he is fully fit to box a new date will be announced."

Meanwhile, Joe Calzaghe has warned Jermain Taylor he will only win respect if he abandons his policy of picking easy fights.

Calzaghe, who hopes to meet his fellow double champion in September, added: "I thought the fight could be made but maybe he's becoming chicken."