Shannon Courtenay concedes WBA belt on the scales
Fight still goes ahead but only Jamie Mitchell can win title
A big development at Liverpool’s Hilton was Shannon 'The Baby Face Assassin' Courtenay (7-1, 3KOs) failing to make weight ahead of her world title defence against Jamie Mitchell (6-0-2, 4KOs).
2 ½ lbs over the required limit, defending champion Courtenay was told she had two hours to remove the excess weight, or she will be stripped of her WBA belt.
Promoter Eddie Hearn then confirmed she wouldn't make the championship limit, therefore losing her world champion status the day before the fight.
Only the Californian challenger can win the title now.
The defending champion then went significantly down at the bookies, although still the favourite, the odds for a draw dipped as low as 12-1, so if you're thinking about getting in on the action for this big fight, it would be beneficial to check out this android betting app and explore its many features.
Super-bantamweight rival Amy Timlin took to Twitter to publicly complain, "Unprofessional, that. Mitchell looks strong too, can see an upset happening here."
Enzo Maccarinelli replied to the tweet, "Had no intention of making weight, had a drink coming straight off the scales."
The 28-year-old stripped champion took to social media to make a statement shortly after, "We had no weight issues during camp and all week I’ve been in a really good place and ready. We was on weight and ready to go yesterday and then last night unexpectedly my menstrual cycle started which for obvious reasons makes woman gain weight. To say I’m devastated is an understatement because this has never happened before, I’m always professional but this was physically out of my control. It’s happened and I can’t change it but what I can do is go out there tomorrow night get the win and get my belt back straight after and that’s exactly what I’m going to do."
The excuse was met with much skepticism, with unbeaten WBO super-featherweight champ Mikaela Mayer quick to say, "Another champ loses belt on the scale. So she was on weight the day before but then wakes up 2.5lbs over because of a period? Doesn't happen. Also, if you're struggling to make weight before weigh ins, you don't have time to put on a face of makeup, you're sweating til the last minute!"
Smith-Fowler
The Battle of Liverpool is on after Liam Smith and Anthony Fowler both make weight
Liam Smith and Anthony Fowler have both made weight for their superb super-welterweight encounter. The Liverpool rivals meet in a brilliant contest that could have massive implications for both the winner and loser.
Smith has his focus firmly set on returning to world level but knows such aspirations will likely be gone forever if he falls short against his local counterpart. Fowler, who himself wants to compete on the biggest stage available in boxing, knows success against Smith will see him gate-crash the world rankings.
Fowler hit the scales at 153 ¾ lbs before Smith joined him on stage weighing 154lbs. Both combatants were in impressive shape and the signs of a hard training camp was visible in both. The next time both men come face to face will be under the lights at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday night.
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