Berridge out of a fight

Robert Berridge has had two potential fight opportunities slip away in the past week.

Ex-pat Whanganui boxer Robert Berridge has been left hanging out for a July fight after his American date with undefeated Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdyk was postponed.

Meanwhile, a last-minute attempt to rematch with Canterbury's Reece Papuni (13-1) on the undercard of next weekend's Joseph Parker vs Solomon Haumono bout in Christchurch was declined by Papuni due to the short notice.

Southpaw light-heavyweight Berridge (27-4-1) was scheduled to face the Olympic bronze medallist Gvozdyk (10-0) this weekend in California, however Gvozdyk's promotors Top Rank moved him over to face former world title challenger Tommy Karpency on a big card in Las Vegas on July 23.

An injury to WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez left a gap to fill at the MGM Grand show.

Berridge stated on Facebook he had also been having work visa issues for getting Stateside.

"But to then find out he's fighting on the 23rd, we are going to do the same but back here in good old New Zealand, July 21 in Christchurch on the Parker undercard.

"Reece Papuni I'm coming for you."

The pair met in the final of the Mahindra Super 8 tournament in November, with Papuni getting a razor-close decision in the four-round matchup.

However, this week Papuni, who previously had two matchups fall through for the July 21 fight, declined the late-notice bout, stating he had dialled back his training a fortnight ago without an opponent and had previously prepared for an orthodox fighter, not a southpaw like Berridge.

"I think me and Robbie would be an awesome fight but we both need to be on a level -playing field.

"You can't say at the last minute 'let's get into it'."

Duro Events was still looking to get Berridge a bout on the card this week.