NIGEL WRIGHT'S hopes of claiming a British title at the third time of asking have had to be put on hold after his big fight had to be called off.

Wright is said to be 'absolutely gutted' after failing a brain scan for the first time in his 11-year career and that has meant Saturday night's showdown with reigning light welterweight champion Ashley Theophane has been cancelled.

The Wright camp are hoping it will be more a postponement, having worked for the last two-and-a-half years on trying to return to the British title scene.

And the Crook-born fighter has told those close to him of an intention to return in the new year to fight for the crown once more.

Hartlepool-based trainer Peter Cope said: "It's just so sad for Nigel. An abnormality has shown up on the brain scan and it will take until after the weekend for him to receive the results of second and third opinions.

"We are all gutted. But what is the most important thing for Nigel is his health. He has two beautiful daughters and his wife to think about. And while we hope everything will be OK, there's no point in him risking his health on Saturday night."

The British Boxing Board of Control have indicated that something has shown up on the annual scan that was not there 12 months ago.

Wright, 32, has been working tirelessly towards his title fight with Theophane since becoming English champion in May when he defeated Nicki Smedley at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre on points.

Preparations had already suffered the emotional heartache of losing manager, Gus Robinson, who died last month.

Cope said: "Nigel had wanted to fight for Gus. He wanted to win it not only for himself but for Gus. It's really sad and it's just been a horrendous couple of weeks for us all.

"But Nigel's health is the most important thing now. He was devastated to lose Gus and it was awful when he learned the results of the brain scan. We all just hope everything is OK."

The Wright-Theophane bout was scheduled to head the 13-bout bill at the Peterlee Leisure Centre on Saturday, which was to be screened on Sky Sports.

Theophane will now defend his belt against Southern Area champion Ben Murphy instead.

Promoter Frank Maloney said: "I feel sorry for Nigel Wright but I don't think we could have got a more prepared replacement in Ben Murphy."

Now Chris Edwards' British title flyweight fight with Shinny Bayaar will take centre stage, with numerous other North-East boxers in action.

Cope's son, Peter, from Hartlepool, will fight the fourth pro fight of his career against Welshman Chuck Jones.

While Darlington's former British bantamweight champion Stu Hall returns to the ring for the first time since losing to Jamie McDonnell at the Doncaster Dome in September.