Tuesday 25 August 2015 11:53, UK
Liam Smith will now face John Thompson for the vacant WBO light-middleweight title, following Michel Soro's withdrawal.
The Liverpool fighter was initially supposed to be taking on Frenchman Soro, only for an internal issue with promoters Top Rank to force him out.
Thompson (17-1-KO6) has stepped in and will now be boxing over the full championship distance for the first time in Manchester on October 10.
I'm not bothered about Soro, all I care about is Thompson and beating him and getting that belt around my waist
Smith (20-0-1-KO10) will now be the favourite to lift the belt vacated by Demetrius Andrade and has no problem with the change in opponent.
"I don't care who's in front of me, nobody is going to stop me from winning the world title," Smith said
"I'm not bothered about Soro, all I care about is Thompson and beating him and getting that belt around my waist. I've seen Thompson before as I keep my eye on everyone in the division as I might one day fight them."
Thompson, from Newark, New Jersey, has not boxed outside America since turning professional in 2011 but he has visited the UK before and will have more support than first thought.
"I am ecstatic at the opportunity," he said. "I will look to take advantage of it and ready to win and become world champion.
"It won't feel like fighting on the road. I have family in Scotland, who will be at the fight. I've been there before and that was a pleasure trip, I am coming this time for business."
