JOHNNY ARMOUR'S first world title defence on Saturday week is off. The WBU Bantamweight world champion from Chatham has become a victim Winter Vomiting Disease and has been laid up during the most important part of his preparation.

The fighter was desperate to get into the ring but doesn't want to jeopardise his chances by going into the fight at anything other than 100 per cent. Speaking from his Liverpool base, Armour said: "I've caught the bug that's been going around and I've not been able to keep any food down.

"I've been to the doctors and he's given me some antibiotics to clear it up but usually these are my last two days of sparring so I've lost valuable training time.

"It's a very important fight and (Francis) Ampofo is a very dangerous fighter. I have to go in on top form."

The rearranged fight is expected to take place in April but the details will be confirmed in the next few days. He added: "It's a massive disappointment for me. I can't wait to get back into the ring and I know a lot of tickets had been sold.

"I really want to get into the ring but at the moment I feel as weak as a kitten."

Armour will travel back to Medway next week before he returns to Liverpool.