Galashiels boxer John McCallum’s IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight title fight against Kazakhstan fighter Issa Akberbayev at York Hall was postponed at the last minute.

The fight had been scheduled for Friday 19 November but Akberbayev withdrew citing illness two days before.

A previous fight between the pair was called off by Akberbayev due to Covid.

A frantic search to find another opponent for the McCallum failed and he is now in talks about a world title eliminator in Las Vegas next month.

A disappointed McCallum told the Border Telegraph: “That fight was for meant to be for my dad Steven Robinson who is seriously ill with cancer in Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital and that has been taken away.

“I had a massive support and many of them were spending the weekend in London.

“I’m really annoyed and it has even made me think of chucking it. The whole thing has been a massive disappointment. It wasn’t about belts or money it was for my dad and as soon as I found out I drove to Edinburgh to be with him.

“I don’t think I’ll be fighting Akberbayev again after the two call offs. This was an oral virus which meant he was unable to fly.

“I’ve been asked to fight Andrew Tabiti who is in the Mayweather camp for a world title eliminator which would take place in Las Vegas on 18-December at the Mandalay Bay and I’m up for that. The Intercontinental belt is still vacant but if this comes off I’ll bypass that.

“I peaked for the Akberbayev so I’ll have a few days rest then get back in training at my local gym before heading to Vegas about five days before the fight. I’m in good shape so that should be OK.”