TRAINER/MANAGER BRENDON SMITH has thanked the WBA for their understanding in approving an extension to WBA Oceania middleweight champion Les Sherrington after an extended injury lay off.

Sherrington has been sidelined since mid January with a serious foot injury which required surgery.

The injury deprived him of the biggest opportunity of his career - a bout at Wembley against WBO Intencontinental champion John Ryder.

"I can't thank the WBA enough for granting Les an extension," Brendon Smith said.

"We take great pride in being the WBA Oceania champion and would've been devastated if we were stripped.

"I can't express my gratitude enough to WBA Oceania President Francisco Martinez and WBA Oceania Secretary Derek Milham for their understanding.

"In particular to Derek, who has been of great support to us.

"It's largely because of him and his efforts we have placed so many boxers with the WBA.

"We have three WBA Oceania champions under my management Les, Jack Asis and Kris George.

"We're so grateful Les will keep his title, despite the setbacks in recent times.

"Not only with injury but also the loss of my son Brayd also put a lot of things on hold.

"Now we move forward and work with the WBA for a title defence."

WBA Oceania president Derek Milham added: "The WBA Oceania has consented to an extension of the middleweight champion Les Sherrington's mandatory defence period owing to medical proof of his injury being substantiated."

"We have granted an extension in order to give the management of Les Sherrington time to negotiate a defence and to get back to us with an opponent to be approved and a date for the middleweight defence.

"We do understand that the injury was sustained during a difficult period for Smithy's TGW gym and we wish the team every success."