Folkestone fighter Josh Kennedy was left heartbroken after seeing his latest bout called-off just three days before the opening bell.

The English super bantamweight champion was due to fight at Mote Park in Maidstone on Saturday but saw his unknown overseas opponent pull out and despite a frantic search for a replacement, was forced to cancel his first fight in more than six months.

Kennedy said: “I have been training for the fight since mid-June so to find myself with no opponent three days before is gutting.

“There were three foreign guys who could have stepped in but you have to run it past the British Boxing Board of Control to OK it and they said none of them were good enough to fight me.

“I’m not going to get paid but it’s not so much that as it is that I haven’t fought since March and I’m still learning. I wanted more experience.”

The 26-year-old hasn’t fought since claiming the English super bantamweight title against Michael Ramabeletsa, taking his record to 9-0.

Kennedy only landed his first belt as a pro in December, earning the title of British Boxing Board of Control Southern Area champion at featherweight.

He added: “I suppose the only plus is that the promoters told me they have called everyone in England, featherweights, super-bantamweights, super-feathers, and nobody wants to fight me, even though there is decent money. They know me – my reputation is building.”

Kennedy revealed he went to the pub to drown his sorrows but after months of clean eating in preparation for his fight, could only manage a plate of chips before returning to his fighting lifestyle.

He added: “It was a good job as this week Barry McGuigan called my manager about some sparring opportunities, which is a great compliment. I’m not sure it’s coincidence at a time when my contract with my management ends in a couple of weeks.

“I am allowed to talk to other promoters but I can’t sign anything until October 21. Some big promoters have been in touch. I am hopeful I will get another fight on before the end of the year.”

Kennedy is hoping for a crack at 23-year-old British super bantamweight champion Thomas Patrick-Ward in 2018.