BARNEY EASTWOOD, manager of Belfast fighter Ray Close, has threatened the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) with legal action following their decision not to renew the super middleweight's licence to fight in Britain.
Former European champion Close, 26, was denied a third world title challenge to Chris Eubank a year ago after an adverse brain scan.
In December he asked the BBBC to reconsider his suspension, providing the Board with fresh scans taken by the Boxing Union of Ireland (BUI). The BUI granted Close a licence last year, enabling him to fight once in Ireland.
But after the scans were analysed by a consultant neuroradiologist, the BBBC decided Close's ban should remain in place. Eastwood criticised the way the BBBC conducted the matter.
"I'm very disappointed that, after taking months to give their decision, the Board broke the news to the media before informing Ray Close," said Eastwood. "The whole matter is in the hands of Ray Close's solicitors, who will take the appropriate action."
. Prince Naseem Hamed underwent keyhole surgery in a London clinic yesterday after pulling out of his first defence of the WBO featherweight title for the second time.
