Wayne Elcock pulls out of title fight due to illness

Nov 27 2009 by Ian Johnson, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM’S Wayne Elcock has been forced to pull out of the dream fight of his career because he is suffering from a bad bout of gastro-enteritis.

He was due to have fought tomorrow for the vacant British middleweight title and the Commonwealth crown against Darren Barker at the Brentwood Centre in Essex.

Elcock told me: “I am absolutely distraught. What a wonderful chance this was for me and I was so confident I would bring both belts back to Birmingham – until I got home the other night.

“I didn’t feel too good. I switched on the central heating, but was still cold and shaking. I knew I was in trouble.

‘‘I spent the night being ill and then went to the doctor and he told me that there was no way I could get fit in time and still be in the right condition to challenge for two titles.

“My weight plummeted to 11 stones and I phoned my trainer Paddy Lynch. We decided I had no alternative but to pull out.

“He spoke to promoter Mick Hennessy and I understand that every effort was being made to get a new opponent and save the fight. Danny Butler was suggested.

“As far as I am concerned, I hope that the whole thing can be resurrected in the New Year. I desperately hope my chance hasn’t gone.”

Lynch added: “I just couldn’t let Wayne go into the ring. He has done so much hard work and it is all for nothing. It’s heartbreaking for him and his fans.

“Now we are in the waiting room, if you like. We will just have to wait and see what happens but you can rest assured that I will be pushing Wayne’s claims for another shot at the title in the New Year.

“He is not finished yet.”