Miami resident Diobelys Hurtado, scheduled to fight in the main event of a card at Miccosukee Resort and Gaming on Oct. 16, withdrew from the bout because of a hip injury sustained while training this past Friday.

The severity of the injury required Hurtado to be hospitalized. A native of Cuba and a former junior-welterweight world champion, Hurtado likely will not fight again until next year.

``I was doing my roadwork in the rain, and I suddenly slipped,'' Hurtado said from his room at Homestead Hospital on Saturday afternoon. ``I didn't fall completely, but I remained in an awkward position.

``The doctors, who have seen me, told me I need rest and therapy for three months. Right now, they have not suggested surgery.''

Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Negron will replace Hurtado, who was scheduled to face Antonio Pitalua for a regional welterweight belt.

Hurtado retired for three years before returning to the ring in December 2007. Hurtado already had fought twice at Miccosukee this year with victories over Arturo Morua and Manuel Garnica.

``I wanted to fight Pitalua, but I also know that I have to be at 100 percent physical condition,'' said Hurtado, 37. ``My goal has not changed. I still want to win world titles as a welterweight and junior-middleweight.''

Pitalua enjoyed a memorable Miccosukee debut in his previous bout Aug. 14. Behind on all three scorecards, Pitalua (47-4, 41 KOs) knocked out Jose Reyes with one punch in the sixth round.

The timely placed shot became an immediate candidate for knockout of the year.

Felix Zabala Jr., who will promote the Oct. 16 show, said junior-middleweight contender Joel Julio also has been added to the card. Julio's opponent will be announced soon, Zabala said.

VAZQUEZ TO RETURN

Nineteen months after the third of his thrilling bouts with Rafael Marquez, Israel Vazquez will resume his career Saturday night in Los Angeles. Vazquez will face Angel Priolo in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

A two-time super-bantamweight world champion, Vazquez won the final match of the three-bout set against fellow Mexico native Marquez in March 2008. Vazquez defeated Marquez twice, and Marquez won the third match.

The three entertaining and punishing bouts took a physical toll on both fighters. Marquez took 14 months off before returning in May.

``I'm coming back because I love the sport,'' Vazquez said. ``I feel really good physically and mentally.''

BIG HIT ON TV

Hollywood resident Antowne Smith continues to take advantage of his nationally televised bouts.

Smith scored a technical knockout over Henry Crawford when Crawford failed to answer the bell for the 10th round of their welterweight bout Friday night in Newkirk, Okla. The fight was part of Showtime's Showbox telecasts.

In his previous two bouts, both televised on ESPN2, Smith (18-1-1, 9 KOs), defeated Richard Gutierrez and Norberto Gonzalez.

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