Israil Madrimov has been replaced on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
Madrimov was set to take on Sergiy Bohachuk in a super-welterweight clash on the Fury vs Usyk bill, his first fight since losing his WBA world title to Terence Crawford in August.
But he has been ruled out of the fight by doctors after falling ill with acute bronchitis.
Incrediblly, the Uzbek star will now be replaced by British boxer Ishmael Davis, who will now fight Bohachuk on the Usyk vs Fury 2 bill on December 21.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed the news on social media.
He tweeted: “It was confirmed by doctors this evening that Israil Madrimov is suffering from acute bronchitis and has to withdraw from the Dec 21 fight with Bohachuk.
“British fighter Ishmael Davis will replace Madrimov, who will now rest and recover for his scheduled fight on Feb 22 fight with Vergil Ortiz.”
The Briton has won 13 of his 14 professional fights and is no stranger to jumping in at short notice.
Davis replaced Liam Smith on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Daniel Dubois in October, stepping in to face Josh Kelly.
He was ultimately outpointed succumbing to a majority decision defeat, but his stocks rose as he gave a good account of himself with such little preparation.
It will be a tough step-up against experienced Bohachuk who has a professional record of 24-2, and has previously been an interim champion at the weight class.
The huge card will also see some big names compete including Moses Itauma who will face Demsey McKean in a heavyweight battle.
British fan favourites Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen will also meet in an intriguing heavyweight battle.
As for the main event, it will be a hotly-anticipated sequel between Fury and Usyk, with the former looking for revenge after his defeat on points in their undisputed clash in May.
The pair are undergoing the final stages of their preparations and both look in fantastic shape in their own respective training camps.
Fury has been able to bring in sparring for the camp in Malta this time around, having been unable to do so for his maiden test against Usyk.
He has been sharing rounds with the likes of heavyweights Kevin Lerena, undercard fighter Itauma and many more.
But former rival Derek Chisora believes it will not be enough to help him overturn Usyk.
He said: “Do I believe Tyson can beat Oleksandr? I look at the way he’s going in sparring camp.
“I don’t personally believe that with the sparring partners he’s got right now that they’re pushing him to be a menace.
“They’re in awe of Tyson. They will pull their punches when sparring, these are the things I’m seeing.
“What I’m seeing that Oleksandr is doing it completely different. I think Oleksandr is way more like start fast and finish fast.
“He knows he can hurt him now, so he’s going to come and try and hurt him. He keeps saying that he won’t leave him alone.
“I would love Tyson to win, but right now, those odds are not looking great.”
