Boxing: O'Neill resigns after furore over licence

The doctor for the British Boxing Board of Control, George O'Neill, has resigned following the decision to give Wayne McCullough a licence to box in Britain.

The Belfast doctor's decision was followed by the resignation of three other doctors who are connected to the Northern Ireland area council for the board.

Two years ago a cyst found near McCullough's brain just before he was due to box in Belfast, resulted in the board refusing him permission to fight. But last week the board reneged on their decision, opting this time to allow McCullough back into a British ring, on 17 August in Cardiff.

"I feel that ethically and morally I can longer be part of boxing," O'Neill said. "I will not discuss individual cases but my views are quite clear.

"I have been working 20 years with the council and I have made many friends in the sport. It is unfortunate that I have had to make this decision but I feel I have no alternative."

John Campbell, the Northern Ireland area council secretary said: "I can understand why George has done this. It is on a matter of principle but I wish that he would reconsider.

"George has brought a lot of safety to boxing and we can't afford to lose people of his stature. I wish he would stay on to help the boxers."

The World Boxing Organisation's super-middleweight champion, Joe Calzaghe, will defend his crown at Cardiff Castle on 17 August against an as yet unnamed opponent.

"You cannot beat the Welsh fans for the support and passion that they show to their sporting heroes," Calzaghe said. "They were fantastic in my last fight against [Charles] Brewer and I want to give them something to remember."

The Prince of Wales will receive an invite to sit ringside on the night.