Elcock out of Barker clash; Butler steps in

Wayne Elcock is out of Saturday's British and Commonwealth middleweight titles clash with Darren Barker. Promoter of the ITV4 show, Mick Hennessy, told BBC Radio London's boxing show of Elcock's last minute pull out through his doctor's confirmation of a stomach complaint.

Danny Butler has stepped in as a replacement.  Butler was last out less than a fortnight ago when he lost a scrappy 96-95 verdict to Darren McDermott when challenging for the Black Country man's English title.

'Mad Dog' Elcock came down with the illness last night. Mick commended Wayne as a "real pro" and certainly someone who would not duck a fight or fake an illness. The plan is for the fight to go ahead as a British and Commonwealth titles fight.

Mick trusts Barker's trainer Tony Sims to keep his man's head together through this transition.

It's been a difficult day for Mick as he's also looking to confirm a new opponent for unbeaten heavyweight Tyson Fury. His main challenge comes from Tyson's performances in sparring, which convinced handlers not to get their men involved with the Manchester giant.

Mick said Tyson showed willpower and heart in going ten rounds with the then English champion John McDermott.