Rotherham Heavyweight pulls out of Lane fight night

The Rotherham fighter was due to make his return to the sport at a Ryan Rhodes show against veteran Paul Butlin, who has fought the likes of Lucas Browne and Dereck Chisora and former world title contender Albert Sosnowski.

But the 24-year-old has pulled out.

It is not entirely clear what the reason is, but it has nothing to do with fitness or injury, it seems, which hints at a disagreement over terms or conditions.

Ali had been sparring with people like David Price and Nathan Gorman before the planned show.

Rhodes’ bill is topped by Walkley-based southpaw Sam O’maison, 25 who has a W12 L1 record.

The trainer also has two local boxers who are making their debuts aged into their 30s.

Joel Palmer, 34, a tarmac layer from Gleadless, had been training with Rhodes for a few months before deciding to have a go at boxing professionally.

“I watched him bash up a professional in sparring and backed him to give it a go” said the trainer.

He is to fight Andy Neylon from Hull.

Chris Dutton, 32, a club DJ from Killamarsh, debuts after a few unlicensed fights. He fights Lincoln’s Mitch Mitchell. Dutton wote on social media: “I’ve put my heart and soul into this and I’m going to start my professional career with a bang.”

Sheffield bantam Loua Nassa takes on Mirfad Ahmeti.