FORMER Southend United defender Leo Roget has been forced to delay his first professional boxing fight.

The 36-year-old was due to take on Mitch Mitchell at York Hall in Bethnal Green this weekend.

But the bout will now be taking place on Saturday, December 7, after Roget suffered an injury in training.

“I’ve been training for a year for this fight so to get injured the week before it is pretty hard to take,” said Roget, who made 139 appearances during six seasons with the Shrimpers.

“I had a bit of a tantrum about it when it happened, but I’m over it and the fight is just three weeks later than planned now.

“It does mean I’m unlikely to have more than one fight before the end of the year, but I’m just going to have to make sure it’s a good one.”

Roget’s fight remains against the same opponent at the same venue.

And he expects to be back at full fitness before entering the ring.

“I will be fine by the time the fight happens, but there was just no way I would’ve been for this weekend,” said Roget.

“I got hit in training a couple of weeks ago and it hurt my neck, and the back of my shoulder.

“I tried to keep on training but after about four days I couldn’t even move.

“I’ve been to see a physiotherapist and a specialist since then and I’m looking forward to the fight again now.”

However, cruiserweight Roget will be facing a far more experienced opponent in Mitchell.

“He’s had 13 professional fights already and I’ve had none, but you have to start somewhere,” added Roget.

Anyone with tickets for the original fight this weekend is able to swap them for the rescheduled bout.

Contact Roget for more details via his Facebook page – Leo Roget professional boxer – or on Twitter @leorojet