Sam Noakes' fight has been cancelled after he tested positive for Covid-19.

The Maidstone boxer was due to face Delmar Thomas in a battle of two unbeaten lightweights tomorrow night.

But the 23-year-old has been forced to pull out of promoter Frank Warren's London show following his positive test.

Noakes wrote on Facebook: "Right people, got some bad news, fight's off because I've tested positive for Covid.

"I feel fine, got no symptoms, so hoping it's a false positive.

"Got another test on its way so see in a couple of days.

"Gutted I'm not able to fight this weekend but given the current climate, lucky to have a chance at all.

"All this has done is delayed my progress a little, I'll be back with a bang in 2021.

"Thanks to my team and family for support through all of this.

"Not the way I wanted to end the year but we'll roll with it."

Noakes (4-0) had been looking forward to facing Thomas (5-0) in what was expected to be his toughest fight to date.

Speaking earlier this week, he said: “It’s a bit of a step up for me, this one.

“He’s five from five and I think he’s one who likes to come forward but we’ll see on the night.

“He’ll definitely be coming to win, this is his first fight on the telly and he’ll be looking to make a statement.

“I’ve just got to trust in what I’ve been doing and believe in what I’ve been working on and get the job done.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn. I’m still only doing six rounds. My last fight was the first time I’ve been past three rounds, so I’m in no rush. I’ve got time on my side.

“If you rush to the top and come unstuck, it’s an unforgiving sport.

“I’d rather take my time, do it all properly and as long as I get there, it doesn’t bother me how long it takes.”

On the plus side, Noakes will hopefully be fighting in front of a crowd when he returns to the ring next year.

His last fight, against Jordan Ellison, was behind closed doors and tomorrow's bout was also taking place without fans.

His army of followers have played a massive part in his first year as a pro.

“It’s not the same without the crowds. I miss them and I can’t wait to get people back in there," said Noakes, speaking on Monday.

"The last fight was weird because there was no reception, no noise, nothing.

“It was strange but I’d rather that than not be able to fight at all.

“I feed off the crowd, they’re brilliant.

“A video popped up of my debut the other day and I haven’t experienced anything like it.

“It was unbelievable when I was walking out to the ring hearing them all shouting. Just thinking about it gets me all excited.

“But we are lucky we can still carry on - a lot of sports haven’t been able to."

Fellow Maidstone boxer Dennis McCann is still fighting on the Church House bill.

The Menace - who’s been compared to Naseem Hamed - bids to extend his perfect record to 8-0 when he faces Pedro Matos (7-3) in a bantamweight bout.

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