WBC super-middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler has withdrawn from the Super Six World Boxing Classic due to an eye injury.
The Dane, who defeated Englishman Carl Froch in April to take the world title, was due to face American Allan Green in his third Super Six contest next month.
However, he has decided to take a prolonged break to allow the problem to heal after struggling with it in both his first tournament outing - a defeat by undefeated American Andre Ward - and against Froch.
‘This is the most disappointing moment of my boxing career,’ Kessler said.
‘After defeating Carl Froch, I was on the way to win the tournament, so pulling out now really hurts. The eye problem has bothered me since the beginning of the Super Six in my preparation for the bout against Andre Ward.’
He added: ‘I have consulted leading experts in Denmark and Germany and they have advised me
to take a break from boxing so that the problem can heal. I have been assured that it will heal completely and that I will be back in the ring next year.
‘I will be there to fight the winner in 2011.’
One round of group stage fights remain in the tournament before the semi-final and then final stage, during which Froch had hoped to face Kessler again in a bid to avenge the unanimous decision defeat in Denmark earlier this year.
Organisers Showtime will examine the best way forward for the competition, with vice president Ken Hershman promising an announcement within a few days.
Froch and Kessler had been level on two points apiece in the race for one of four semi-final spots.
