DARLINGTON heavyweight Chris “High Tower”

Burton declared himself “devastated” after his European Masters title fight was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to his opponent suffering a hand injury, writes ANDY RICHARDSON.

Burton was due to make the first title challenge of his career last night against Nigerian Franklin Egobi before his trainer phoned him yesterday morning to say the bout had been called off.

“To say I’m gutted is a massive understatement,” said Burton. “I’ve given everything to prepare myself for this fight so it feels like all my hard work was for nothing.

“It’s a setback but I’ll bounce back.”

The fight was originally scheduled to go ahead at the Seaton Carew Mayfair Suite before Egobi was forced to withdraw after injuring his hand.

Burton’s trainer Neil Fannan confirmed that Egobi’s manager had this week suggested his fighter had problems securing a work permit, although this was believed to have been resolved.

“I’m sure there’s nothing suspicious, it’s just bad luck for Chris,” he said.