Boxer Lee Haskins withdraws from title defence with leg injury

Lee Haskins became World Champion last year Credit: PA

IBF World Bantamweight Champion Lee Haskins has pulled out of his upcoming world title defence in Japan, after sustaining a leg injury.

He was due to face big punching Shohei Omori in Kyoto on 31st December.

Haskins says he is disappointed at having to withdraw, but hopes to be able to resume full training in early January 2017:

Japanese champion Omori holds an impressive record of 17 wins including 12 knockouts with only one defeat against current WBO champion Marlon Tapales last year.

The 23 year-old is a two time national champion but has yet to box outside of his home country. His fight against Haskins will be Omori's first shot at a world title.