Adam Booth has confirmed a virus is the reason Irish fight fans have been left sickened and the Thomond Showdown has died.

After news broke today the Andy Lee’s WBO middleweight title defence was no longer taking place in Ireland and had been moved back to October 10 in Manchester some fight fans feared the Irish public hadn’t backed the event.

However, Booth and Saunders Promoter Frank Warren both stress the show was on course to be a sell out and illness was the reason behind the postponement.

It is understood that October and November dates in Thomond Park were thought to be too risky given the weather conditions for an outdoor event.

Lee’s manager and trainer Adam Booth confirmed the unfortunate news in a statement.

“Obviously, Andy and I are gutted that this won’t be taking place in Limerick. If the virus had cleared, then maybe it could have. However, after speaking with Frank Warren, my partner in the event, we decided that the risk was just too great on many fronts. We now move forward with a new date, a new venue, and like Frank, I have had many great nights at the Manchester Arena and we are looking forward to another,” said Booth.