Stapes suffers injury setback

MIXED martial artist Martin Stapleton has been forced out of his Cage Warriors 82 fight with Aleksi Mantykivi after suffering an injury in training.

The Rochdale fighter was due to face Mantykivi at the Echo Arena in Liverpool next week.

It is a cruel blow to Stapleton, and he admits he is upset to miss out on the chance to fight.

“Unfortunately, on Monday during Sparring I suffered a hand injury which has left me unable to compete at CageWarriors 82 in Liverpool,” he said.

“To say I’m gutted is an understatement. I’ve trained really hard for this fight and with it being my only fight in the North West for the last two years I’m just gutted I won’t get the chance to put on a show for my supporters.

“I went to see a hand specialist on Friday to see what the outcome will be and I’m expecting a return to competition in early summer.

“I’m going to take a few days off social media to chill and get focused on my rehab for the next few weeks.”