Bradford's Bobby Vanzie was dealt a body blow last night when his Commonwealth lightweight title defence was called off at 48 hours notice.

His Ghanaian opponent James Armah has pulled out and now tomorrow's show at the Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool - which was due to be shown live by Sky Sports 1 - has been called off.

It was the worst possible birthday present for Vanzie who was 27 yesterday.

It's the second time that Armah, the Commonwealth super-featherweight champion, has pulled out of a fight with Vanzie.

In October it was reported that he was unfit after celebrating his title win over Charlie Sheppard too vigorously.

This time he has claimed a cut eye to be his reason although it has also been rumoured that he boarded the plane for England but didn't arrive after a stopover in Milan.

"I have never been so gutted," Vanzie said. "This is a shattering blow for me and exactly what I didn't need."

Promoters Barry Hearn and Tommy Gilmour are now looking at possibly re-scheduling the fight for Manchester later this month.