Boxing: Berridge can't beat injury

A sparring injury has ruled out Wanganui-born Robert Berridge's title fight against Adrian Taihia in Auckland tonight. Photo/File

A hand injury has forced top Kiwi professional boxer Robert "The Butcher" Berridge to reluctantly pull out of tonight's Triple Thriller event in Auckland.

Wanganui-born Berridge, who is ranked No10 by the WBO (the highest of any current Kiwi professional), failed a medical on Tuesday afternoon and has been withdrawn from his WBA PABA and WBA Oriental Light Heavy Weight title fights against Adrian Taihia.

Berridge's medical report concluded he has severe swelling to one knuckle on his left hand sustained during a sparring session on Wednesday last week and the medical physician has confirmed that he cannot fight tonight.

Triple Thriller promoter and former All Black Va'aiga Tuigamala is devastated with the news, but won't be postponing the show.

"As disappointed as I am about Robert not fighting on the show, I'm satisfied with the doctors report."

Sky was yesterday attempting to contact everyone who purchased the pay-per-view event up until Tuesday to establish if they still wish to purchase the event or cancel their booking.

Meanwhile, Tuigamala will fight on the card along with sons Bubba and Jordan as planned.

The fight will continue to retail for $29.99 for domestic Sky customers.

Berridge has relinquished his WBA PABA belt, allowing Tiahia to still have a title shot.

Event promoters were hoping to announce a new opponent for Taihia yesterday and if a worthy contender was found the fight would be for the WBO-PABA interim light heavyweight title.

Berridge is said to be close to a fight against Sergey Kovalev, the WBO's No1-ranked fighter.

Kovalev, a 31-year-old Russian with a 24-win, 1-draw and no-loss record, is said to be a fighter of the highest quality.