Shiney: why I had to withdraw Macauley from Saturday’s bill

Macauley Owen….victim of a virus

TODAY, the virus that prevented Macauley Owen from appearing on Saturday’s major Telford show was easing, but the disappointment remains.

The unbeaten prospect was pulled out only hours before his first televised bout, a six rounder against Jayro Fernando Duran. The Honduran who has won 14, lost 13.

The bombshell news was delivered to fans by the Telford fighter’s trainer, Shiney Singh. His difficult decision should be applauded – a boxer’s welfare is paramount no matter how high the stakes.

Macauley, from Telford, believes he got the bug while out and about selling tickets. During the last days of weight-making, boxers are vulnerable.

Shiney posted on social media: “Unfortunately I have taken the difficult decision this afternoon to remove Macauley from tonight’s programmed contest in Telford.

“This morning Macauley woke up feeling unwell and I wanted to give him time to see if this improved during the course of the day as we monitored things, but, unfortunately, it did not, with him more than likely having caught a bug or virus following yesterday’s weigh in.

“No one is more devastated than Macauley, who has worked extremely hard during camp and looked all but set to put on a scintillating performance tonight as could be seen yesterday on the scales.

“As a coach it is our duty to protect the boxer with the boxer’s health and safety being priority and I was not willing to take the risk knowing the risks involved each and every time a fighter steps through the ropes.

“I, alongside Macauley, would like to apologise to those travelling fans and supporters, but ask if any queries could be directed to myself in the short term to give Macauley some time to recover.

“Boxing is an extremely difficult sport at the best of times and extremely testing journey of ups and downs, we hope all those supporting Macauley’s journey will understand the situation and we will look to reschedule Macauley’s contest in the near future when recovered and continue his journey to where we know he can go.”

The man made the right decision.

Not appearing on Saturday’s show is a minor setback. Appearing could’ve led to much worse.