Hove featherweight Paul Halpin has been promised another crack at the WBO Intercontinental title after having to withdraw from this Saturday's fight with Gavin Rees in Cardiff.

Halpin was to meet the Newbridge boxer at the Cardiff International Centre for the vacant title but he failed a medical due to a low blood platelet count, the particles crucial to blood clotting.

Halpin said: "This is such a shame as I have worked very hard for this fight.

"It was my big crack at winning a title so I am very disappointed.

"However, I have spoken to promoter Frank Warren and he has promised me first crack at the winner of this title. So on the flipside of this, that is good news."

Halpin has suffered with a low blood platelet count before but has quashed any fears this will prevent him fighting in the future.

He said: "My blood count is only a tiny bit below what is required and the specialist believes it is because I have had a virus so close to the fight. The virus is still in my system.

"The British Boxing Board of Control are very safety conscious and won't allow me to fight but in two weeks it should be back to the required level."

Meanwhile, top of the bill Joe Calzaghe has vowed to restore some pride to British boxing when he makes the eighth defence of his WBO super-middleweight title in Cardiff against Mario Veit.

Welshman Calzaghe says he has learnt the lessons of shock defeats for Naseem Hamed and Lennox Lewis and will not make the same mistakes against his mandatory challenger Mario Veit.

He said: "The pride of Britain rests on my performances this weekend.

"I will not let the nation down. I have not taken anything for granted in this fight and my preparations have been spot on.

"I will not fall into the same trap as Naseem or Lewis and my concentration has focused solely on my fight with Veit."