Monday 14 April 2014 14:56, UK
Scott Quigg will now defend his WBA super-bantamweight belt against Tshifhiwa Munyai on April 19 after original opponent Nehomar Cermeno was forced to pull out of the bout.
The Bury-born 25-year-old had been set to face Venezuelan Cermeno at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester, live on Sky Sports, but visa issues have now scuppered that initial plan.
Now Quigg instead takes on Munyai, a fighter who is no stranger to appearing in England having won the Commonwealth bantamweight crown back in June 2006, against Martin Power.
The South African successfully defended the strap against Lee Haskins later that same year before then defeating Power again in a rematch for the title in January 2007.
Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Munyai - who is nicknamed 'The Atomic Spider' and has lost just twice in his 27-fight professional career - to pose a serious challenge to the unbeaten Quigg.
“It’s a great fight for Scott and in my opinion a much tougher test than Cermeno,” said Hearn.
It’s a great fight for Scott and in my opinion a much tougher test than Cermeno
“Munyai is no stranger to these shores and is impressive form coming into the fight. Scott is in fantastic shape and ready to make a big statement as we eye unification fights this summer.”
Quigg v Munyai will be top of a bill that also includes a Manchester derby between Anthony Crolla and John Murray for the former's WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title.
Also in action will be Josh Warrington, who defends his Commonwealth featherweight title against former world title challenger Rendall Munroe, and the fit-again Callum Smith, while Tyrone Nurse meets Tyler Goodjohn for the vacant English light-welterweight crown.
