FORMER British boxing champion Scott Fitzgerald is wanted by police on suspicion of “wounding with intent”.
Preston police have issued an appeal to locate Fitzgerald and warned members of the public not to approach him.
Preston Police wrote on X: “Have you seen Scott Fitzgerald?
“Fitzgerald, 32, is wanted for wounding with intent. He is 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build, and has short, dark brown, wavy hair.
“Fitzgerald has connections to Preston.”
They added: “If you see Fitzgerald, please do not approach him, and call 999.
“For non-immediate sightings of Fitzgerald, or if you have any information that could help us, please call 101 or email 363@lancashire.police.uk”
Fitzgerald had been planning a boxing comeback after being found not guilty of rape in February 2024.
He had pleaded his innocence since he was first arrested in 2020.
A jury at Preston Crown Court took less than two hours to reach a unanimous not-guilty verdict.
Fitzegerald said outside court: “It’s been four years of hell. But my focus now is getting back in the ring – possibly as early as May.
“I’ve been in the gym training for the past three months and I’m just so glad this is over.
“It’s been horrible with this hanging over me. I always knew I was innocent and the truth would finally come out.
“Now I just need to get my boxing licence back and get down to some hard work.”
Fitzgerald was jailed last year after flooring a man outside a pub with a single punch.
Victim Leevi Francis suffered a broken jaw and a cut below his eyebrow after being knocked unconscious outside the Grand Junction in Preston.
Fitzgerald was jailed for 46 weeks after he pleaded guilty to GBH on the first day of his trial.
The promising amateur won welterweight gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
He turned pro in 2015 and won his first title four years later as he beat Anthony Fowler to land the WBA International super-welterweight belt.
Fitzgerald took the British super-welterweight strap by beating Ted Cheeseman in 2019.
His last fight was a win over Gregory Trenel in 2021 which took his record to 15-0 with 10 KOs.
Fitzgerald spent 12 days at the Sporting Chance clinic to try and overcome an addiction to gambling and alcohol in 2020.
He said at the time: “I’m a compulsive gambler and I’m an alcoholic.
“I could tell you 500 stories that got me into this position.
“It’s been something that has been out of my control for a good few years.
“I’ve blown money and wasted time. I finally decided to do something about it.”
