Bellotti v Gomez called off with fighter 'bent over in pain'

Michael Gomez Jr (right) and Reece Bellotti were due to fight on the undercard of Catterall v Prograis

The super-featherweight bout between Reece Bellotti and Michael Gomez Jr was called off on Saturday when British fighter Gomez was taken ill, in what Eddie Hearn termed a "bizarre and unique situation".

Bellotti against Gomez Jr was one of the main fights on the undercard of Jack Catterall's match-up with Regis Prograis at Co-op Live in Manchester.

But just hours before the pair were due to enter the ring, the fight was cancelled.

A statement from promoter Matchroom said it had been informed by the British Boxing Board of Control that the fight could not take place.

"Michael Gomez Jr was taken ill in the changing rooms, where he was inspected by doctors and ruled out of the contest," a statement read.

"We wish Michael a speedy recovery."

"It was a bizarre and unique situation," Matchroom promoter Hearn said in a news conference.

"I was ringside when I was told to come backstage ASAP. Gomez fell ill in the changing room, he was bent over in pain.

"The doctors took a urine sample, and he had an infection, he was not fit to fight. They completely ruled him out.

"I have never known it an hour before the fight. It's a weird one."

Gomez's illness came as a surprise as he took part in the usual pre-fight build-up - a news conference and weigh-in - without any obvious issue.

At 15.41 BST on Saturday, he posted an official promotional image to X with a message for fans to "watch my fight tonight".

The 29-year-old local hope had been looking to challenge for British and Commonwealth titles against Bellotti.

The Manchester-born fighter has won 21 of 22 fights in his career, including six knockouts.

The fight would have formed part of the first boxing event held at the new arena in Manchester, before the headline bout between Catterall and Prograis.