Brain scan rules out Kiwi boxer

Richie Hadlow’s professional boxing debut on the undercard of Joseph Parker’s next fight has been cancelled after an MRI scan revealed a brain injury.

Hadlow, a multiple national champion and 2018 Commonwealth Games representative, will now seek specialist medical advice.

Queenstown-based Hadlow, 30, was set to fight fellow Kiwi Ricky Curline in a six-round lightweight contest in Christchurch on December 15.

The problem was picked up in a check after promoters Duco Boxing introduced compulsory MRI scans for all fighters on their cards in the wake of recent issues in the sport.

‘‘We were hoping everything was fine but unfortunately an issue has been picked up in the brain of one of the undercard fighters and that means that Richie Hadlow won’t be able to fight again until he is medically cleared,’’ Duco boss David Higgins said in Auckland yesterday as Parker trained for his fight with Mexican-american Alexander Flores.

The development is a major blow for Hadlow but vindicates the tough measures adopted by the New Zealand promoters.

‘‘We were told that the issue might not otherwise have been picked up,’’ Higgins said.

‘‘We feel for Richie. He is devastated that he can’t fight on the card but he also understands that his safety is paramount.

‘‘Maximising safety was an obvious step and it would have been nice of no issues had been picked up. But I’m relieved because we were told the issue is serious enough for Richie not to be put in the ring and we could have had a tragedy on our hands.’’

Higgins said he had only positive responses to the safety move which sees Duco pay for the scans.

‘‘I’ve had messages from referee and fighters commending us, saying these steps should have been taken a long time ago.’’

Hadlow reached the second round to finished ninth out of 22 fighters in his division at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast last April. He won gold medals at the Oceania Championships in Brisbane and the transtasman Championships in Auckland last year.

He is a personal trainer and also a boxing coach.

Meanwhile, Parker looked fit and sharp as he continued his tapering work. He stretched, shadow-boxed and did some powerful pad work with trainer Kevin Barry.

‘‘All the hard work is done. It’s about rest and recovery now, making sure the body is in peak shape for December 15,’’ Parker said.

‘‘I’ve got no major injuries, I’m ready to go. There’s nothing wrong with my fitness.’’

Parker reiterated that his latest camp had been about bulking up his power and shot selection.

‘‘It’s about making sure every punch has meaning to it, not just letting it go for any reason,’’ he said.