MIGUEL VAZQUEZ, the International Boxing Federation champion, who was forced to withdraw from his unification bout with World Boxing Organisation title-holder Ricky Burns of Coatbridge, yesterday issued an apology to fight fans inconvenienced by the bout having to be put back five weeks.

However, Burns' manager, Alex Morrison offered more than just words to those who will be left out of pocket as a consequence of the enforced switch in date from March 16 to April 20.

Morrison has made the rare and potentially expensive gesture of offering to refund the price of a ticket to anyone who purchased one directly from him or Burns and who are unable to travel to the fight at Wembley Arena on the rescheduled date.

Followers of Burns were also hit financially when his planned title defence against Filipino Jose Ocampo was called off in December, just days before they were due to meet at London's ExCel Arena.

However, Morrison and Burns will jointly meet the cost of any refunds after the former explained: "Ricky and I feel that it's the least we can do in the circumstances.

"Ricky's fans have been very supportive and we realise that it will not be possible in some instances for them to recover pre-booked travel costs. I have no idea what this will cost, but we want to keep faith with those who have played such a big part in Ricky's success and we are prepared to refund anyone who purchased a ticket directly from either of us."

Vazquez was diagnosed with a severe viral infection caused by food poisoning after eating seafood and was ordered by his doctor to recover at home for 10 days, resting and hydrating.

The Mexican said: "I am sorry about this situation. We were on top of our preparations and it was so intense my body was in great shape, strong and fast from weeks of total dedication.

"However, the infection I suffered in my stomach was very strong. I had to lie in bed for a week."

Warren added: "Yesterday, I released the doctor's certificate to confirm that Vasquez had suffered a viral infection and now he has released a statement to confirm this.

"I hope this now puts an end to the matter once and for all. I was as disappointed as the fans when I had to postpone, but the most important thing is that the show is still on."