By Corey Erdman
According to Hennessy Sports, veteran heavyweight Martin Rogan has rejected the contract offered to him to face British and Commonwealth champion Tyson Fury on September 11 in Belfast.
As previously reported, once negotiations hit a snag, Fury's team began negotiating with Canadian champion Neven Pajkic for the same date. The bout will not be able to come together for September. Rick Smiciklas of Wild Card Promotions, Pajkic's promoter, indicated that the undefeated prospect suffered a tear in his chest earlier this year, and would need more than one month to prepare.
With past negotiating troubles between the two parties, there is inherent pessimism, but both sides agree that a fight in mid-October or early November is a possibility, with several open dates available in Toronto, Ontario, and Rama, Ontario, Canada.
"The M M A boom has slowed down a bit, and this fight could really revive boxing in Ontario," said Smiciklas. "These guys really hate each other."
Pajkic has fought all 16 of his professional bouts in Canada. Fury has made an appearance in the Great White North as well, scoring a shutout eight-round decision over journeyman Zack Page last December.
Corey Erdman is a member of the Yahoo boxing ratings committee, and a host at theScore on SIRIUS 158. Follow him on Twitter @corey_erdman