Boxing Match in Britain Scrapped at Last Minute Due to Betting Irregularities

^{Photo: Aqib Fiaz, Eddie Hearn and Kane Baker}

A highly anticipated boxing match between British rivals Aqib Fiaz and Kane Baker was canceled just hours before it was set to take place in Birmingham, England, due to concerns about suspicious betting patterns detected by bookmakers, Gambling News reports.

The fight, scheduled for June 22, was pulled from the card by Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who cited the need to err on the side of caution while the investigation into the irregular betting activity unfolds.

The Gambling Commission and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) are now investigating the suspicious betting patterns.

Both fighters involved in the investigation have vehemently denied any involvement in match-fixing or illegal betting schemes.

“I would like to let my people know that there have been no illegal bets made from me, my team, or anyone I know. I would never be bribed into losing a fight, and I have never placed a bet for myself to lose in my whole career. I believe my fights and record show this,” stated Kane Baker.

This incident follows a previous report that bookmakers in Ontario, Canada, were banned from taking bets on World Boxing Association (WBA) fights due to the high risk of match-fixing.