Shannon Courtenay has described herself as "absolutely devastated" after having to postpone her title defence against Jamie Mitchell.

The WBA bantamweight champion was due to fight the American contender on August 14, but an injury has forced her to push it back.

While a subsequent date is yet to be announced, Courtenay says one is expected soon and that the fight will definitely go ahead.

In a post on her Instagram, she said: "I’m absolutely devastated but we’ve had to postpone this fight. I sustained an injury in training 4 weeks ago & we’ve tried to train through & around it but we have to be sensible & make the right decision for my career. My injury is getting better everyday but I need to be 100% when I step in that ring especially as my world title is on the line. This fight WILL happen and the date will be announced soon!! Thank you to all my loyal fans and sponsors standing by me during this tough time."

The Watford boxer claimed the vacant title with a unanimous decision win over Ebanie Bridges back in April at the Copper Box.

 

Courtenay was originally pencilled in for a rematch against Rachel Ball, the only opponent to have got the better of Courtenay in her professional career, with a contentious points decision in August last year.

However, Ball had to pull out of a reunion bout for the second time, after she also had to withdraw from the title fight earlier this year, having been heavily affected by Covid-19.

Mitchell, an undefeated American fighter who, like Courtenay, has eight professional fights under her belt and was instead handed the opportunity to fight for the title.

She will now have to wait until a later date for her chance.

Mitchell's record stands at six wins, no defeats and two draws, with four of her six victories coming back way of knockout.