Shoulder injury forces Perez to withdraw

Undefeated ex-prizefighter champion Mike ‘The Rebel’ Perez has been forced to withdraw from next weekend’s acid test against former world title holder Ruslan Chagaev in Germany after injuring his shoulder, according to promoter Felix Sturm.

The heavyweight contest was due to take place at the Burg-Waechter Castello in Dusseldorf and it is not yet known whether a replacement will be called up at late notice to oppose one-time WBA champion Chagaev.