IBF restore Regan as flyweight champion

Boxing

Robbie Regan was given the perfect start to the new year yesterday when he was restored as the International Federation's interim flyweight champion.

The 27-year-old Welshman knocked out the Tunisian Ferid Ben Jeddou in two rounds in Cardiff last month for the title and the right to fight the American Danny Romero, who had to put aside the championship because of serious facial injuries. But the IBF last week nominated another American, Mark Johnson, to meet Romero on 2 February.

That effectively stripped Regan of his title. Now Romero says he can no longer make the eight-stone limit and plans to move up to super-flyweight. His decision to vacate the title comes after Regan's promoter, Frank Warren, had threatened legal action over the IBF decision.

Regan and Johnson are now set to meet for the undisputed championship, possibly next month.