Billy Joe Saunders title defence off due to hand injury

Billy Joe Saunders celebrates winning the WBO middleweight crown

Billy Joe Saunders has been forced to call off his WBO middleweight title defence against Max Bursak after damaging a hand during a training session.

The unbeaten 23-year-old was due to defend his crown for the first time against Ukrainian Bursak at the Copper Box Arena in London on April 30.

Saunders won the title last December when he defeated Ireland's Andy Lee on points in Manchester to take his record to 23-0.

Saunders defeated Andy Lee to capture the title in December

"I'm bitterly disappointed. This is boxing and these things happen," said former Olympian Saunders.