Willie Limond has revealed that he has been forced to withdraw from the first defence of his British light-welterweight title against Chris Jenkins, on April 11, at the First Direct Arena Leeds, due to a trapped nerve in his left shoulder.
Jenkins will now face Tyrone Nurse for the vacated Lonsdale belt but Limond has been lined up as mandatory challenger to the winner and the Glaswegian has admitted his frustration at parting company with the title it took him three attempts to win.
He said: "Unfortunately I have missed three weeks of training due to the trapped nerve and that is just too much when you are talking about a 12-round British title fight.
"So I've made the decision to relinquish and let Jenkins and Nurse get it on, but only on the assurance of Eddie Hearn that I will be installed as mandatory challenger to the winner.
"It's ironic that this is the second time I've vacated a belt and Nurse has benefited by challenging for it, as when I gave my Commonwealth title up last year he got a shot it as well.
"But I can promise both these boys that whoever wins only has my belt on loan. I waited all my career to win the British title and until I lose it in the ring I am still the rightful champion."
Meanwhile former two-weight world champion Ricky Burns believes his clash with ex-WBC lightweight titlist Omar Figueroa, on Saturday May 9, at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas, will be an explosive encounter.
The Scot said: "I can't wait for this fight. Ever since it was confirmed I've been absolutely buzzing in the gym. I've had some great nights in Scotland winning and defending my world titles at two different weights but I have always wanted to box in America.
"Our styles gel perfectly for one hell of a fight, neither of us take a step back so bring on May 9."
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