If you came to watch tonight's ShoBox: The New Generation card expecting to watch unbeaten heavyweight prospect Otto Wallin, here's some bad news.
Right before Showtime went on the air to televise a three-fight broadcast featuring a number of prospects in action, Salita Promotions announced that BJ Flores, Wallin's opponent was not medically cleared to compete. As such, the broadcast will now only be a doubleheader starting with a super featherweight fight between Giovanni Cabrera Mioletti and Luis Porozo and conclude with a heavyweight bout between Jermaine Franklin and Jerry Forrest.
Below is the statement from Salita Promotions:
“As part of the licensing process in the state of Washington, the doctor appointed by the boxing commission to oversee tonight’s event reviewed medical tests and determined that BJ Flores would not be medically cleared to compete. Based on that opinion, Washington State Department of Licensing spokesperson Gigi Zenk notified Salita Promotions this afternoon that they would not issue BJ Flores a license to fight against Otto Wallin tonight. Due to medical privacy requirements, we are unable to provide further information at this time.”
Washington State Department of Licensing Spokesperson Gigi Zenk confirmed the news with a one-sentence statement:
"Benjamin Flores was not medically cleared to compete."
2019 has been a year of patience for Wallin, who is ranked No. 5 by the WBA and No. 11 by the IBF. After signing with Salita Promotions earlier this year, Wallin's U.S. debut took place on the televised-undercard for Claressa Shields' historic win over Christina Hammer to become the undisputed middleweight champion back on April 13. Wallin's fight against Nick Kisner on that night ended after one round when an accidental headbutt caused a cut on Kisner's face and was unable to continue fighting, resulting in a no contest.
