Lee Purdy will now fight Cosme Rivera on Saturday after Carson Jones pulled out
Last Updated: March 9, 2013 8:52pm
Lee Purdy's long-awaited clash with Carson Jones is off for a second time after the American withdrew through illness.
Essex banger Purdy was originally supposed to fight Jones - who gave Kell Brook a fright last summer - before Christmas but the IBF international welterweight champion was struck down with a virus.
This time it is Saturday's opponent Jones who has withdrawn in the week of the fight, continuing the spate of recent bouts falling by the wayside.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has named Mexican veteran Cosme Rivera as Jones's replacement, the 36-year-old having been stopped just twice in a 54-fight career that began 20 years ago.
"We're disappointed to hear the news late last night that Carson was unable to make his flight over to the UK due to illness," said Hearn.
"We know how he feels because Lee was in the same situation in fight week in December for their previously cancelled clash. We worked tirelessly last night and were delighted to secure Rivera who was approved by the IBF as a suitable contender.
"Both have explosive styles and we expect a great fight on Saturday."
Saturday's show at Wembley Arena also features Darren Barker vs Simone Rotolo for the vacant IBF inter-continental middleweight title, while George Groves makes his debut under the Matchroom banner against Dario German Balmaceda.
