O'Donnell backs out of Singleton bout on undercard of Haye's ring return

The pair had been drafted in as chief support for David Haye’s comeback fight against Mark de Mori at the O2 Arena after one-time IBF World featherweight champion Billy Dib was forced to withdraw from his contest with Jamie Speight due to injury.

Singleton, who defeated Gary Cooper with a stunning stoppage in his last outing at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, took to social network site Facebook to air his devastation, writing: “NEWS: Bags packed ready to get my train. I have just received the most devastating news in my boxing career. John O’Donnell, the man that said he will ‘walk through me’ and ‘it’s just another day in the office’ has pulled out.

“He left a note in his gym saying he is not fighting and has turned his phone off. He has broke me in the worst possible way. Three days to go and I get this.

“For my friends and family that have spent money to come and support me I’m really sorry about this. We are doing the best we can to get money back for tickets. Please email the company you got them from explaining the situation. If no joy we will take it further and try every way possible to get money back. “I’m well and truly devastated. I’ve busted my brains out for this life-changing chance. What now!!!”