Cage Warriors welterweight title fight between Justin Burlinson and Sean Clancy Jr. was cancelled on Saturday after Burlinson suffered a severe cut to his forearm in a hotel bathroom accident. The Sunderland-born fighter was scheduled to defend his belt against Scottish interim champion Clancy in the main event at Glasgow's Braehead Arena.
According to Cage Warriors, the cut was a 'superficial laceration' requiring five stitches. However, Burlinson's cornerman Charles Joyner disputed this, stating the wound was deep and required 25 stitches in total—10 internal and 15 external. Joyner posted video footage showing blood splattered across the bathroom walls and floor.
The injury occurred when Burlinson leaned on a ceramic soap dish attached to the wall, which snapped and sliced his arm. Despite Burlinson's desire to fight, his corner team withdrew him. Burlinson later apologised on Instagram, saying: 'Anyone who knows me knows that I wouldn't just pull out for no reason.' The fight will be rescheduled, with Aidan Stephen vs Joshua Abraham taking the headline slot.
Fellow fighters expressed support, including UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who wrote: 'Health over everything mate... Heal up and go again.' Oban Elliott added: 'Well done boys for saving him from himself! Awful cut.' Jack Grant also sent well-wishes.
