Mark Lloyd's world title dreams in tatters

The world title dreams of Shropshire boxer Mark Lloyd are in tatters, writes JAMES GARRISON.

The Shifnal plumber had been pencilled in for a shot at a WBC version of the light-middleweight title against Emanuele Della Rosa in Rome on December 10.

But officials at the World Boxing Council have refused to sanction the contest. It is the latest major disappointment for Lloyd who has been lined up for a number of title contests in recent months - only to see them snatched away from him.

And the 35-year-old has admitted this latest setback has left him contemplating his future in the sport.

"I don't really know too much about why the fight can't go ahead," admitted Lloyd.

"I got told by my manager (Errol Johnson) and I was just distraught.

"I've probably had seven big fights lined up and they have all fallen through.

"It's embarrassing more than anything because you tell everyone you have got the fight and then it gets cancelled.

"I had 40 or 50 people who were going to come to Rome for the fight.

"I will keep fit and stay in the gym but I have got a lot of thinking to do."

Lloyd has won 15 of his 18 professional contests.