Boxing: McMillan expresses his relief

(First Edition)

COLIN McMILLAN, admitted to being a relieved man yesterday after learning he had no chance of contracting the HIV virus, following his world title bout with Ruben Palacio. The Colombian world featherweight champion was stripped of his World Boxing Organisation title after testing HIV positive in a routine medical examination 48 hours before the first scheduled defence of his title against Newcastle's John Davison in Washington, Tyne and Wear, tonight.

McMillan, the former world champion, had been worried because he fought Palacio in a world title fight last September when both boxers received cuts. However, he was told yesterday that Palacio had tested negative for the virus before their bloody eight-round contest in Britain last year, and has been advised medically that he does not need to take an AIDS test.

'I've been told the chances of me having contracted the virus were infinitesimal,' said the 27-year-old Barking fighter, who suffered a cut above the nose while Palacio was cut above his eye during their bout.

'I'm very relieved, because when I first heard the rumours yesterday, I was very shocked and so was my wife,' McMillan, a father of two, said. 'It's something you think can never happen, and I watched a video of the fight again, which reminded me there was a lot of blood about.

'My first thought was that I would need a test, but, after taking advice, I understand there is no need for a test and my mind is now at ease.'

Palacio yesterday flew home to Colombia where he was due to undergo another examination after two tests by the British Board of Control doctor, Alan Trotter, indicated he was HIV positive.

'I do have positive proof of that from the British doctor,' Ed Levine, the president of the WBO championship committee, said. Confirming that the incident was unprecedented in boxing, Levine said the WBO had no choice but to strip him of his title. 'You have to protect the boxer from boxing, so as not to endanger his opponent or the referee or anybody else that may come in contact with him.'

An expected win for Davison tonight over the late substitution of Steve Robinson, the World Boxing Association penta-continental champion from Wales, will put a first defence against McMillan on the cards for later this year.