Vietnamese boxer Tran Van Thao will have to wait for his WBF belt match after the scheduled bout was cancelled. — Photo webthethao.vn

Thảo, who is the World Boxing Council Asia champion, announced on his Facebook page that Leone, champion of the South American region, decided to withdraw from the match without giving a reason.

Fernandez was considered the favourite as his 15 matches resulted in 12 wins (including nine knock-out wins), two draws and one loss. He is ranked number 51 in the world.

Thao recorded 11 matches without a defeat. He pocketed eight knock-out wins and three draws. He is ranked world number 149.

While waiting to learn who his new rival will be, Thao will have a match against Chinese boxer Yujie Zeng at the Saigon Sport Club, HCM City, on May 18.

Zeng is 22 and has a record of 12 wins (six knock-outs), nine draws and one loss. He is ranked 433 in the world. — VNS