THE SIDELINES : McCallum Foe Hurt; Fight Off

LONDON — Mike McCallum’s WBA welterweight title defense against Michael Watson next week was canceled today after the British challenger broke his nose while sparring.

Watson, scheduled to meet McCallum Wednesday night, was injured on the last punch of his final sparring session before the fight, according to his manager, Mickey Duff.

Duff said Watson will be sidelined for two months but hopes to get another chance to fight the American champion early next year.

Watson, 24, has lost only once in his professional career and gained a shot at McCallum by handing British welterweight champion Nigel Benn his first loss earlier this year.