Andy Lee's WBO world middleweight title defence against Billy Joe Saunders has been moved back from September 19 to October 10 due to the champion suffering a virus.

As well as a new date there is also a new venue, with Lee-Saunders now happening at the Manchester Arena instead of at Thomond Park - home of rugby side Munster - in Limerick, Ireland.

It is a blow for Irishman Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs), 31, not to have his first title defence in his own country but co-promoter Frank Warren, who also manages Saunders (22-0 12 KOs), said they had to move the fight to the English indoor venue because of the delay.

"Whilst they were prepared to gamble on him recovering in time, there is so much at stake for so many people, common sense had to prevail," Warren said. "We simply cannot risk this fight not happening and therefore the decision was made that we should postpone the fight to ensure it does.

"With October being such a busy month in the boxing calendar and every Saturday having a show, we could not afford to wait until November and risk going outdoors. The only viable option available to us was to move the fight to the Manchester Arena.

"It's a shame for Andy Lee that his dream of defending his world title in Limerick cannot be fulfilled now, but this being such a big fight neither boxer can risk going into the ring at anything less than 100%.

"Also, from Billy Joe Saunders' point of view he is in training camp in Spain and to not have a firm date for the fight would not be fair on him so Manchester is the best solution. This is a huge fight in whatever city it takes place and I'm sure it will sell-out with such a huge card taking shape."

Lee-Saunders will be on the same bill as Manchester's WBO world lightweight champion Terry Flanagan, who will be making a first defence against an opponent yet to be confirmed.

Adam Booth, who trains Lee and is co-promoter of the event, said: "Andy and I are gutted that this won't be taking place in Limerick.

"If the virus had cleared, then maybe it could have. However, after speaking with Frank, my partner in the event, we decided that the risk was just too great on many fronts."