McCullough's first bout at home in five years against Kiko Martinez was called off after the Spanish European super-bantamweight champion failed to make the agreed 8st 12lb mark.

However, it was scenes after the weigh-in which will remain long in the memory as McCullough (37) and wife Cheryl became involved in a heated row with veteran Belfast Telegraph boxing reporter Jack Magowan.

The McCulloughs objected to comments made by Magowan about the Belfast fighter coming in underweight.

The couple angrily rowed and pointed fingers at the reporter as tempers flared.

Mr Magowan last night said he felt sorry for local fight fans.

"What upsets me more than anything is the fact that there is no fight. For the fight to be cancelled over the issue of a pound and three quarters is ridiculous," he said.

"A lot of people have gone to a lot of hard work to bring Wayne back and they have all been let down. It is the biggest blow for Irish boxing in 10 years."

The reporter played down his row with the McCulloughs.

"There was a lot of people there so there was a fair bit of pushing around. I have been in this game a long time and seen tempers flare before, but McCullough was irate.

"Personally I don't think we will ever see McCullough fight in Belfast again."

McCullough, who has not fought for two and a half years, was hoping that a win against Martinez would put him back in the world title frame.

However, at the weigh-in yesterday Martinez was one and three-quarter pounds overweight and despite having an hour to go away and take the excess off, he did not return to the scales.

The British Boxing Board of Control Northern Ireland area council secretary, John Campbell, said: "The fight is now not on. The scales were closed at 2.30pm."

Later it was announced that the whole King's Hall bill, which had suffered from poor ticket sales, was being scrapped. Fans will be refunded.

"If the argument is only over half-a-kilo, then the fight should go on," said former British champion and Lonsdale Belt winner, Hugh Russell, now a board official.

"Martinez will be asked to explain why he failed to meet the conditions of his contract.

"But it's not the first time this has happened, and we've always had a fight. Clearly, McCullough fans have reason to feel bitterly let down."

Pat Magee, promoter of the bill, couldn't hide his disappointment.

"Martinez screwed it up badly, and knows it," fumed Pat.

"I did my best to save the fight, but McCullough was adamant - the Spaniard must make 8st 12, or there would be no contest. It angered him that Kiko made no attempt to shed the surplus."