McCullough withdraws from Prizefighter

Former WBC world champion Wayne McCullough has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Super Bantamweight Prizefighter event in London on 29 May.

The Olympic silver medalist had been training for a comeback in Barry Hearn’s eight-man, one night tournament. However, the 39 year-old has been told he will be unable to fight for at least two months.

“I am really devastated to be missing out on Prizefighter but the hand injury is pretty bad,” said McCullough.

He continued, “My Doctor has advised me not to use the hand at all for training or fighting for the next 6-8 weeks. We are all packed and ready to go and we really wanted to be there but this is boxing and these things happen.”

However, McCullough’s withdrawal has presented an opportunity to Limerick fighter Willie ‘Big Bang’ Casey to battle for the Prizefighter crown. The big punching Casey, who has four knockout victories in his unbeaten five fight career, looks set to be a danger on the night.

“He was an idol to me and I really looked up to him when I was starting out,” said the 28-year-old Casey of the injured ‘Pocket Rocket’. “I followed his career from after the 1992 Olympics, he fought some great Mexicans and took on Naseem Hamed and I remember watching those fights.

“I don’t feel under pressure as his replacement though, it s more excitement – although it would’ve been so great to fight him and I know his style would suit me. But I’m just delighted to be in Prizefighter and it’s my chance to prove that I can make it to the top.”