Gravesend boxer Harry Dhami has had his long-awaited comeback fight put on ice after his opponent pulled out at the last minute.

Dhami has been out of the ring for 20 months and was due to fight Paul Knights for his big return.

But new manager Tommy Gilmour was then let-down again when replacement fighter Jason Williams pulled out at the eleventh hour leaving him no other option but to call it all off.

Dhami said: “I was due to fight Knights, who is a wealterweight champion, but he withdrew. Williams then pulled out and it left it too late to bring in another challenger.

“Hopefully I can get another fight in England or if not, abroad. It’s frustrating but part and parcel of boxing. – I’ve had fights cancelled on me before.

“I’m going to go back in training and hope for something at the end of the month. I’m willing to fight anyone and I’m not finished yet.” Dhami lost his British welterweight title to Neil Sinclair in 2001 – the only time he has been stopped as a professional – and has not fought since.

He has since signed up with the Gilmour, who operates from from the St Andrews Sporting Club, in Glasgow.

Gilmour said: “Harry’s a nice fella and that’s one of the reasons I took him on. I like good fighters and and nice people.

“I’m looking forward to get him back on the winning trail and my aim is to get him the Londsdale belt. Unfortunately we had to call this fight off as we ran out of suitable opponents.

“There are shows out in places like France, Spain and Italy and we may go out there.

“Harry is experienced and understands that these things do happen.

“He hasn’t boxed for 20 months, so if it turns out to be 21 or 22 months before he fights again, it won’t make much diference.

“We’ll soon get an opposition which is best suited for Harry.”