Anderson vs Ashong card cancelled

Boxing Promoter Tommy Gilmour praised the British Boxing Board of Control after Kevin Anderson's Commonwealth welterweight title defence against Agoe Ashong was cancelled due to the African failing a routine blood test.

Anderson was top of the bill at Kirkcaldy Ice Rink on Friday night December 9 ,2005 but now the whole show has been called off.

Gilmour, who is also Anderson's manager, said:

"Ashong is on his way to London and is distraught about the whole thing.

"He came over with a blood test certificate from Ghana that was okay but when the blood tests were done over here they weren't okay.

"But there's always positive things to come out of miserable situations and the Board are a shining example to any organisation in the care and attention to the medical welfare of fighters entering the ring.

"Everyone knows it is a dangerous sport and as far as is humanly possible the board try to put these safety procedures into place.

"The idea that we can protect a fighter by a simple blood test, a scan or a medical is great.

"I have been the board's greatest supporter and at times its biggest critic.

"However, as far as the medical side goes it gives me a great feeling that when I put a boxer into the ring I know that he's healthy."

Despite the show being cancelled at such late notice, Gilmour insists all the boxers, especially Anderson, have shown remarkable fortitude.

He said: "All the boys have been wonderful about the whole thing.

"I have said in recent months that Kevin is growing up and he showed that maturity when he discovered that there was to be no fight.

"He just said to me, 'oh, well these things happen'.

"He was placating me rather than the other way around.

"I feel gutted because this was a top-class show as far as I'm concerned with some top-class prospects."