Mitchell Smith has stressed 2014 will be “a big year” for the Harrow Weald boxer after he had to withdraw from his planned fight at the Copper Box Arena this Saturday due to injury.

The super-featherweight prospect was set to face Sylvain Chapelle on the show, which is being promoted by Frank Warren and headlined by Dereck Chisora and Nathan Cleverly.

The 21-year-old Southern Area champion has fractured his left hand and will not fight again this year.

Using his Twitter page, he said: “I’m so gutted I’ve had to pull out of my big fight this weekend. I’ve got a fractured left hand and it’s not worth risking it.

“I’m truly gutted and need to keep my chin up over Christmas. I’ll be back strong with a big bang in February - 2014 will be big for me I promise.

“I want to thank all the fans for supporting me. I couldn’t do it without you all.”

He later added: “Sitting here thinking and I’m telling everyone 2014 is going to be a big year for me. No one has seen the best of me yet.”

Smith, who used to fight for Bushey Boxing Club, is unbeaten in his seven fights as a professional.