Ankle injury wipes out boxer Randy Caballero title defense

Washington: Reigning International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Randy Caballero called off his scheduled title defense Tuesday after suffering an ankle injury during training camp.

The unbeaten American was to have fought Mexico`s Alberto Guevara on February 27 at a casino in his hometown of Indio, California.

"I am devastated that this injury is stopping me from continuing this journey," Caballero said. "However I expect to make a full recovery from surgery and will be ready to face any opponent that wants to stand in my way. I will back and better than ever."

Caballero, 22-0 with 13 knockouts, was to have made the first defense of the crown he won last October with a unanimous 12-round decision over Britain`s Stuart Hall at Monte Carlo.

Guevara, 19-2 with seven knockouts, suffered his only career losses in his two world title fights, to Mexico`s Leo Santa Cruz in 2012 and Japanese southpaw Shinsuke Yamanaka in 2013.