Billy Joe Saunders (l) has suffered another postponement as mandatory challenger to WBO middleweight titleholder Andy Lee. Saunders sustained an eye injury in his training for the bout. Picture: Alan Place/Fusionshooters.

The eagerly anticipated middleweight duel between WBO titleholder Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders, which was scheduled for Oct. 10 in Manchester, England, has been postponed for a second time due to the challenger sustaining a cut eye in training.

Lee was originally set to face Saunders this month, in his home city of Limerick, Ireland, but withdrew when he picked up a virus. This latest roadblock means the fight could be relocated once again as a new date and venue is yet to be decided.

“First of all, I’m sorry to Andy and all the fans that this fight has had to be postponed again,” said Saunders, who is rated No. 5 by THE RING at 160 pounds. “It’s unfortunate that I got a cut during a sparring session but there’s nothing I can do now until the specialist advises me on when I can resume training.

“I’m committed to this world title fight. I’m the WBO mandatory challenger and the WBO have confirmed that I’ll remain the mandatory challenger. It’s just a very frustrating situation at the moment as myself and Andy just want to get in the ring and fight after all the delays.”

Promoter Frank Warren said, “It’s a real shame that Billy has been forced out of the fight because of a cut and we await the report from the specialists so that we can reschedule the fight as soon as possible.”

Terry Flanagan will still defend his WBO lightweight title against Diego Magdaleno on the card and Liam Smith and John Thompson will also contest the vacant WBO junior middleweight championship.

“I’m very optimistic that this is still one of the best shows of the year with a top class line up,” said Warren.

Information courtesy of a press release by Queensberry Promotions

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_Gray_Boxing.