The two teams were due to lock horns at York Hall in Bethnal Green tomorrow, only for the UK Home Office to deny the visitors visas to enter the country.

No reason has been given for this, with the WSB yet to announce whether the bout will be rescheduled or forfeited in favour of one side or the other.

“We are very disappointed to announce that the World Series of Boxing (WSB) match between the British Lionhearts and the Morocco Atlas Lions will not go ahead as the Moroccan team has not been issued with visas to enter the UK following an assessment of their application by the Home Office," a British Lionhearts statement today explained.

“We recognise this is very disappointing news for fans of the British Lionhearts and are sorry for any inconvenience this unexpected development may cause."

All ticket purchasers for this match will be eligible for a refund.

"Alternatively, if the match is rescheduled all those with tickets will be offered the opportunity to switch their ticket to the rearranged date or an alternative British Lionhearts WSB event," today's statement added.

"We will be contacting all ticketholders in due course.”

The Lionhearts were looking to extend their winning start to the new season to five matches.

insidethegames is attempting to find out more information as to why the visas were refused.