Liam Smith forced to withdraw from middleweight fight with Josh Kelly on Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua undercard

Smith ruled out of fight with Kelly after suffering injury

Middleweight contender Liam Smith has been forced to withdraw from his fight with Josh Kelly on the undercard of Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua after suffering an injury.

Kelly now set to face late replacement

Kelly will now face a late replacement on the April 1 bill at the O2 Arena in London.

Disappointment for Smith

It is a major blow for Smith, who was looking to build on his impressive victory over Jessie Vargas in November and move into world title contention.

Return to action still to be set

The extent of Smith's injury is not yet known, and it remains to be seen when he will be able to return to action.

Kelly still hoping to impress

Kelly will be hoping to take advantage of this opportunity and make a statement on the big stage.

Tough test for Kelly

However, he will face a tough test against a late replacement who will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Smith vs Kelly was a pick fight

The fight between Smith and Kelly was a significant pick fight for British boxing, and its cancellation will be a disappointment to fans.

Both fighters expected to return

However, both fighters are expected to return to action later in the year and it could still happen in the future.

Full details of the injury

Full details of Smith's injury are still to be released, but it is believed to be a back problem.

Dubois vs Joshua still on course

The main event between Dubois and Joshua is still on course to take place on April 1.