Joshua Buatsi has been forced to withdraw from his dangerous fight with Maxim Vlasov on December 18th due to injury.
The fight, which was providing support to Derek Chisora's rematch with Joseph Parker, exclusively live on DAZN, was intended to display that Buatsi is ready for a world title shot at 175lbs.
If successful against Vlasov, Buatsi was ready to switch his focus on fighters such as Joe Smith and Dmitriy Bivol, but those high-profile fights will have to wait as Buatsi recovers.
His last fight, an 11th round stoppage over Ricards Bolotniks in August, demonstrated Buatsi’s power and he was aiming to build on that against Vlasov.
Replacing Buatsi on the bill is Scotland’s Lee McGregor, who has recently signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Probellum.
The unbeaten bantamweight is closing in on a world title shot and he’ll help support that mission with a defence of his European title against Narek Abgaryan. Victory for the Edinburgh man should place him in a strong position to push on and challenge for bigger honours next year.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be getting back in the ring defending my European itle against Narek Abgaryan,” said McGregor.
“This is another step closer to me becoming a world champion. I have the best team possible, and I believe with Matchroom and Probellum backing me, I can win world titles at multiple weights.”