Nigel Benn's highly anticipated comeback fight against Sakio Bika has been called off due to a shoulder injury.
Former world world middleweight and super-middleweight champion Benn had been due to fight Cameroon-born Australian Bika after a 23-year absence from the ring.
The fight was scheduled to take place at the Resort World Arena in Birmingham on November 23.
The 55-year-old is thought to have damaged his shoulder during a brutal training regime last week at Matchroom Boxing's gym.
Benn told the Sun: "I have been dreaming of a one-off fight for years and I'm heartbroken I've had to call it off."
Benn last fought in 1996 when he was beaten by Steve Collins for a second time.
His fight against Bika - who is 15 years Benn's junior and last fought in 2017 - would have been sanctioned by the British and Irish Boxing Authority.
Benn had said when the fight was announced: "It is my decision to box again (although may be seen by some as ‘controversial’). However, unlike many boxers, I have continued to maintain my fitness and healthy lifestyle since my last fight with Steve Collins.
"I acknowledge the risks associated with the sport, and fully understand the importance of being fully assessed by medical professionals. Therefore, I’ve welcomed the requirements of BIBA to clearly establish that I AM ‘fit to box’.
"I have undergone numerous and regular medical investigations to confirm this, including periodic MRI brain scans. Now that I’m in the UK, within the next few weeks I have welcomed (at the request of BIBA) a further series of tests – including another MRI brain scan to provide clear clarification of my state of health.
"BIBA are also facilitating additional safeguarding at ringside for my fight (which far exceeds the criteria of any other sanctioning organisation).
"My desire to box again is something that has remained within me for several years… It is MY choice alone, and I've not been persuaded or coerced by any other person.
"I feel like that I am being discriminated against because of my age. I can also confirm that I have chosen to fight an opponent who is a renowned former world champion in his own right. The challenge that I’ve set myself is high.
"This IS a tough challenge, but one that I feel I need to pursue to bring about final closure and an inner peace of mind for myself as a man. It’s NOT about the money, it’s about closing a desire that remains within my mind, body and soul.
"This is my dream, and I hope boxing fans around the world will embrace my wishes, and support and respect the fact that this is my decision alone."
Benn had been warned that he "could die" if he entered the ring for the fight by former manager Peter DeFreitas.
“I haven’t said a word about Nigel in 23 years but now he’s fighting again it’s time to talk," DeFreitas said to the Daily Star.
"I’m talking because I’m concerned - I fear for his life."
