British Boxing card hit by ‘uncalibrated’ scales storm as furious trainer BOYCOTTS weigh-in after interrupting presenter

TRAINER Joe Gallagher threatened to BOYCOTT the weigh-in before his fighter’s world title bout due to “uncalibrated” scales.

Natasha Jonas – coached by Gallagher – faces Wales’ Lauren Price for the unified 147lb welterweight world titles tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.

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Joe Gallagher said the scales were not calibrated correctly[/caption]

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He was ready to boycott the weigh-ins[/caption]

But drama unfolded when Gallagher claimed the official scales used at the weigh-in one day before fight night had not been correctly calibrated – meaning it could produce incorrect results.

He interrupted Sky Sports’ MC and said: “No, there’s no weight-in until these scales have had calibration.

“I need to a see a certificate of calibration on these scales. Everyone’s weighed light on it today and usually these scales come with a calibration sticker on it.

“Until that calibration sticker is here today, that they’re bang on weight, then there will be no weigh-in for the main event.

“Them scales need a calibration sticker on it. They’re the rules, I’m only playing by the rules.”

Price later scaled 10st 5lb while Jonas – fully clothed – came in at 10st 6lb.

Boxxer, promoting the event, said in a statement: “The scales were calibrated and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy that everything is correct”

The all-women’s card is topped by Jonas and Price, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.

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Promoter Ben Shalom said: “I think Joe believes that they were half a pound too light.

“Ultimately, Lauren has come in lighter than Natasha so really it doesn’t make too much of a difference.

“I think Joe is protecting his fighter ahead of an unbelievable night tomorrow night and a huge pressure fight for both of them.

“The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of the trainers as it is a battle of the fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head to head. It’s fascinating.”

Price added: “There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs Price.

“Cool, calm, collected. Just looking forward to going out and showing how good I am.

“I make the weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, it’s my natural weight as well.

“It makes for a great fight, I respect Tash, I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”

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Jonas and Price fight for the welterweight titles[/caption]

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Controversy surrounded the weigh-ins[/caption]