Scott Dann Out

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 18 May 2006, 10:31

DANN'S INJURY IS CRUEL TIMING

Plymouth Evening Herald
18 May 2006

Scott Dann's manager has described as unbelievably cruel the potentially career-ending back injury which has ruled his fighter out of next month's title defence at the Pavilions.

Chris Sanigar, who has steered Dann to both British and Commonwealth middleweight title triumphs, also claimed that Dann's injury - caused as a result of a car crash on Tuesday - could not have come at a worse time for the popular Plymothian.

Bristol Boxing boss Sanigar was still locked in talks with joint-promoters Matchroom and Sky TV over whether the Wednesday, June 7 show will still take place, now that Dann was no longer able to headline the show.

Dann had been due to make the fifth defence of his British middleweight title and the second of his Commonwealth crown against former world champion Richard Williams at the city centre venue.

Both Dann and Sanigar had been banking on a decisive finish to the 12-round affair with Williams to boost the 31-year-old's chances of mounting a challenge for the European title later in the year.

Sanigar said: "It is really terrible news and unbelievably cruel for Scott.

"It has happened just when the ball was really rolling for Scott.

"In both mine and Scott's view, the Williams' fight would have been a career-defining one for him.

"I have never doubted his potential to fight at a higher level and I was looking to push his name forward to be number one contender for Sebastian Sylvester's European title.

"I am also deeply disappointed for Scott and the brilliant fans in Plymouth, who have supported their boy over the past few years.

"He has worked hard in training and has kept himself fit and prepared - I'm gutted for him.

"I'm really not sure whether the show in Plymouth will still go ahead - I'm still talking to Matchroom and Sky.

"It's such a shame and like everyone else I'm hoping that Scott's injury will not be as bad as first feared."

Dann had to be taken to Derriford Hospital after the collision between his and another car in St Judes on Tuesday, and his friend and trainer Dave Smith admitted the early prognosis had not been encouraging.

"He is putting on a brave face but Scott's very down, and in a lot of pain as a result of the accident," said Smith.

"The police and the ambulance both attended the accident and Scott was taken to Derriford on a spinal board.

"It was fairly obvious from Scott's initital reaction that the title defence was in doubt.

"The doctor at Derriford Hospital, who was looking after Scott, said that he would not be able to train for two-to-three weeks at least.

"In fact, they (Derriford Hospital) wanted to keep him in overnight (on Tuesday), as they were concerned that there might be more spinal injuries.

"The doctor wanted Scott to have their physiotherapist to look him over.

"But Scott insisted that he would see Maxie (Paul Maxwell) and let him check him out," he added.

Dann, who damaged his back in 1996 as an amateur and was sidelined for almost a year, went to Home Park to see Plymouth Argyle physiotherapist Maxwell yesterday.

Maxwell said: "Scott's lower back is inflamed and swollen.

"He will need another couple of X-rays to determine just how much damage has been done to the back."

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 18 May 2006, 10:39

Gutted.

another high quality domestic pairing down the swanie.

First Dodson, now Dann have been seriously injured in car smashes (Naz was lucky to escape without a scratch on him!!)

Sad for Dann but these things (pullouts, for waht ever reason) are happening all too often in modern boxing.

Lenny · Post by **Lenny** » 18 May 2006, 10:42

Am gutted too as I was looking forward to this one and really struggled to pick a winner. Gutted for both fighters as it could have propelled to winner to bigger things

As far as the show going on could Elcock come in as a replacement as he's just fought or has he still work to do after his lack of effort against Dann?

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 18 May 2006, 10:42

Just before anyone starts jumping to conclusions Scott was driving fromthe gym to home in the afternoon.

It was not 2 in the morning after a saturday night out or or overtaking at 90 mph!!!

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 18 May 2006, 10:46

Although a shame the fight is off, the main concern is that Dann makes a full and speedy recovery, best wishes to him.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 18 May 2006, 11:24

Lenny Albert wrote:Am gutted too as I was looking forward to this one and really struggled to pick a winner. Gutted for both fighters as it could have propelled to winner to bigger things

As far as the show going on could Elcock come in as a replacement as he's just fought or has he still work to do after his lack of effort against Dann?

Good shout - Elcock is always in decent nick and I am sure as soon as he was to get a call he would be out running up them licky hills!

Would be a good alternative Elcock v Williams I reckon

DG. · Post by **DG.** » 18 May 2006, 14:01

Jamie Sanigar wrote:Just before anyone starts jumping to conclusions Scott was driving fromthe gym to home in the afternoon.

It was not 2 in the morning after a saturday night out or or overtaking at 90 mph!!!

So.. Is there no chance that Scott will be ready for June 7th?.

Maybe a chance to reschedule for later in June?.

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 18 May 2006, 14:16

No chance for June 7th.

Maybe July but maybe more realistic after the summer break.

DG. · Post by **DG.** » 18 May 2006, 14:28

Jamie Sanigar wrote:No chance for June 7th.

Maybe July but maybe more realistic after the summer break.

Is a great shame.

Hope Scott is ok and no lasting damage done.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 18 May 2006, 14:44

Great shame, hope Scott makes a full recovery and the fight happens at a later date...

JimmyJamJerusalem · Post by **JimmyJamJerusalem** » 19 May 2006, 06:24

Yeah terrible shame, this was an eagerly awaited dust up.