Shakan Pitters has been ruled out of his next fight due to injury.

The British light-heavyweight champion had been set to make the first defence of his belt next weekend.

Pitters outpointed Chad Sugden to clinch the vacant title back in August at the Fly By Nite Rehearsal Studios in Redditch, Birmingham, exclusively live on Channel 5.

And the Mick Hennessy-promoted 31-year-old was meant to return to the same venue and platform on November 14 to face Craig Richards (15-1-1, 8 KOs).

But the clash between the pair, who have been eager to get down to business since their grudge match was arranged, has now been given a new date for the second time after Pitters (14-0, 4 KOs) suffered an injury and was advised to withdraw by medical professionals.

The fight will now take place at the same venue on December 18, just a week before Christmas, with the undercard remaining the same.

The media release confirming the rescheduled date stated that “further details will be announced in due course with the full supporting undercard,” but Boxing Scene understands it will still feature Idris Virgo.

Virgo, the former Love Island star, is undefeated in the super-middleweight division and is scheduled to have his 10th fight as a professional on the card, while Michael Hennessy Jr. will fight alongside Isaac Chamberlain and Kaisee Benjamin, the once-defeated Midlands Area welterweight champion who will defend his title against Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker.