Louis Greene’s title challenge has been put on hold.

The Strood boxer was due to meet Michael McKinson on April 18 for the WBO welterweight title.

The British Board of Boxing Control initially cancelled all public tournaments for the rest of March but Green’s camp were informed last week that the fight was off, due to the coronavirus pandemic..

Greene (12-1) is now trying to keep in top shape ahead of further news.

“He just has to stay focussed,” said father and trainer John Greene.

‘The Medway Mauler’ is currently ranked fourth in the UK at his weight and McKinson is third in the standings (18-0).

Defeat to Larry Ekundayo in December 2018 is Greene’s only defeat and he has bounced back with a trio of victories, taking his record to 12-1. The Medway Mauler became the first man to defeat Lukasz Wierzbicki, beating the Pole in his own backyard, and he followed up with a win over Berman Sanchez to see the year out.

Since then Greene’s camp have been inundated with requests for fights, from Poland, Italy, Germany and America – that one promoted by former world champion Oscar De La Hoya – but once the McKinson fight was first muted in December, it’s been the one they’ve been focusing on.

Greene snr said: “It’s third versus fourth in the rankings, the two men behind Amir Khan and Josh Kelly.

“It will be Louis’ biggest fight yet and we know that Louis can win this one.”

Read more sports news from Kent