Mundine postpones fight with Austin Trout due to ear infection

Anthony Mundine has been forced to postpone his fight against American Austin Trout because of a "severe ear condition".

The WBC super welterweight bout - one of the most significant of Mundine's career - was scheduled for this Saturday in San Antonio, Texas, but the Australian boxer on Monday announced his doctors have told him he won't be able to fight.

"Mundine is suffering from a severe ear condition which doctors say will cause him serious and potentially permanent damage if he continues with the bout," a statement tweeted by Mundine said.

"The ear condition was first noticed after sparring and got progressively worse the next day during his flight to the USA.

"Team Mundine sought immediate medical attention after landing in the US and have taken the medical advice to reschedule the fight for a later date very seriously. The safety of fighters is our first priority."

Mundine will not be allowed to fly for the next two weeks and will stay in Texas where he will resume his training program for the rescheduled event, which hasn't yet been given a date.

Former world champion Trout poses a staunch challenge for "The Man", with a record of 28 wins and just two losses.

Mundine, who is weeks shy of his 40th birthday, was suffering from an elbow injury last week before flying out of Australia but said he didn't think it would affect him for the fight.

"I've had the problem for the last couple of weeks but that was last sparring session so I'm going to stay off it and recover," he said.

"I doubt it will affect my power but if it does, I'm a fighter, I'll fight with one hand."