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Rachel Ball out of next month's world title fight

Rachel Ball has pulled out of her world title boxing fight as she struggles with the effects of Covid-19.

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The Aldridge fighter was due to face Shannon Courtenay on April 10, in a widely anticipated rematch, for the vacant WBA bantamweight world title.

Ball contracted coronavirus in January and delayed the bout with Courtenay until April so she could recover but with less than a month to go until the fight the 30-year-old is still feeling the effects of the disease.

Now, Ebanie Bridges – who Ball was meant to fight for the strap last year before she withdrew due to injury – has stepped in on short notice to fight Courtenay.

Ball tweeted following the announcement and is targeting a fight with the winner later this year.

She said: "To cut a long story short, I got Covid in January, unfortunately I still haven’t recovered.

"Wishing the girls all the best and, fingers crossed, I look forward to fighting the winner later in the year.

"I just want to say thank you for your kind words. I was expecting a bad response from people and I’ve had the worst headache all day worrying about it.

"I shouldn’t have doubted people so much, so thank you."