A MALE beauty contest in Mexico was scrapped as the contestants were deemed too ugly for it to go ahead.

The Mr Tabasco 2017 pageant was announced by modelling agent Oscar Servin Leon with the hope of finding a red hot hunk fit to hold the title.

5 The pageant organisers said the contestants weren't up to scratch Credit: Central European News

5 It was claimed the entrants did not meet the 'physical requirements' Credit: Central European News

5 Only six entrants threw their hats into the ring Credit: Central European News

His agency caused controversy with its original advertisement by specifying contestants must be a minimum height of 5 feet 10 inches, single, childless, have an athletic body and not be a stripper.

But only six entrants threw their hats in the ring to become Mr Model Tabasco, in the south-eastern Mexican state of the same name.

Although the agency conducted some publicity shoots with the six hopefuls, showing them in swimsuits, casual clothes and formal attire, the contest was soon cancelled with the six being deemed too ugly for the competition to continue.

The modelling agency confirmed in a statement: "The National Organisation of Mr Model Mexico regrets to inform that the event Mr Model Tabasco 2017 has been cancelled until further notice, due to [contestants] not meeting the physical requirements established for the organisation."

Online jokers from Italy were quick to mock the entrants, with one posting a meme showing beefcakes labelled "Expectations" and the less impressive line-up of Tabasco lads labelled "Reality".

The agency did not publicise what prize the rejected lads had missed out on.

5 Online jokers were quick to mock the news Credit: Central European News

5 The competition was held in the Mexican state of Tabasco Credit: Central European News