British super-bantamweights Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe must put world title ambitions on hold as their interim WBA contest at Manchester Velodrome was ruled a technical draw.
The first two rounds of the highly-anticipated domestic contest bubbled under nicely before an accidental clash of heads at the start of the third left Leicester's Munroe with a deep cut above his right eye.
Blood poured from the 32-year-old's wound, leaving referee Howard Foster with little option but to end the contest early and call a draw, as the scorecards can only be consulted after four completed rounds
An anticipated showdown between the winner and Commonwealth champion Carl Frampton must now be placed on the back burner, with a rematch expected to be arranged between the two fighters from Ricky Hatton's promotional stable.
Munroe's customary come-forward style was in evidence from the outset as he looked to force a taxing pace upon British champion Quigg, nine years his junior.
But the former European king was largely frustrated by some eloquent defensive work from the Bury prospect, who fired back with some precise combinations to the body.
Both fighters looked to force the issue in the third when the untimely end came.
Quigg connected with a crisp right to the temple but as each man lunged in - Munroe from his southpaw stance - heads came together and the severity of the injury was soon apparent.
With the in-ring combat concluded, scenes of violence then broke out in the crowd as an anti-climactic evening ended on an unsavoury note.
Hatton Promotions director of boxing Richard Poxon told the post-fight press conference he expects Munroe to be sidelined for around two months with his injury before a rematch can take place, meaning Quigg is unlikely to enjoy the swift ring return his trainer Joe Gallagher would like to see.
"I went in to throw a right hand and the heads came together - it happened so quick," said the British champion.
"I felt in control. The first round I was having a look; the second I was getting into it, making him miss and everything was going to plan."
Similarly, Munroe also felt his gameplan was having the desired effect.
"I'd have put duct tape on the thing and carried on," he said. "I think anyone could see I was winning the fight.
"I think he was struggling with the pace. He was running away in the rounds.
"What can you do? It happens."
A Hatton Promotions spokesman confirmed several fans were ejected from the venue but no arrests were made following an outbreak of violence in the stands at the conclusion of the main event.
