Derry Mathews' vacant IBO world title challenge on January 20th has been given a new look after a switch of opponent.
The former WBU champion will now meet Italian lightweight champion Emiliano Marsili at the Liverpool Olympia, after Russian star Alisher Rahimov was pulled from the bill. However, things certainly don't get any easier for the former 'Golden Boy' as Marsili also boasts an unbeaten professional record.
The veteran Italian is also a southpaw, while his 24-fight run is spread over an eight-year career and he will arrive on Merseyside riding on the back of a first round knockout in July. However, that was the man from Lazio's only outing of 2011, and his trip to Liverpool will also be the first fight he has ever had not on home soil.
Promoter Stephen Vaughan Jnr made the announcement via Twitter today, with former champ Mathews adding: "I'm gutted over Rahimov pulling out but now fighting unbeaten Italian."
The Olympia undercard features a wealth of Scouse talent, including John Watson, Nathan Brough, Steve Harkin, Joe Tonks, Andy Colquhoun and the pro debut of Chris Kelly.
Plus, former world champion Stevie Forbes is also mooted to be fighting on the card, in a fight that promoters hope will tee up a blockbuster showdown with Derry later in the New Year.
Tickets are available from the Olympia box office.
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