In the aftermath of reports that he had been pulled from his July 13 shot at IBF welterweight belt-holder Jaron "Boots" Ennis, Cody Crowley detailed the reasons why.

"Today I met with my eye surgeon, who performed double eye surgery on me in November 2023," said 31-year-old Crowley, 22-0 (9 KOs), who was due to face Ennis, 31-0 (28 KOs), at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

"While I am pleased that my eyes continue to improve and heal, it still does not meet the minimum requirements of the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission.

"The repaired retina in my right eye is experiencing a fluid accumulation, causing distortion in my vision. As a result, the surgeon has not medically cleared me to fight on July 13.

"While I am devastated by this news, I have peace in my heart. A situation not in my control. Everything in my control, I've given 100 per cent to myself in preparation for this fight."

The highly regarded Ennis, who recently signed with Matchroom Boxing, was awarded the IBF title after the sanctioning body stripped Terence Crawford, who will move up to 154lbs in August.

It is understood that Matchroom, headed by Eddie Hearn, will now find a replacement and the July 13 show will go ahead. Crowley's future in the sport is less certain.

"Over the next few days and weeks," Crowley went on, "my team and I are going to meet with world class doctors, so I can have a more clear path to get back to world class boxing at a championship level."