Maxi Hughes will now face Paul Hyland Jr. for the vacant British lightweight title at the University of Bolton Stadium on the MTK Fight Night on March 19.
Hyland (20-2, 7 KOs) was originally set to meet Liam Walsh for the Lonsdale Belt, but with the Cromer switch-hitter still recovering from a bout with Covid-19, Hughes steps in as his replacement.
The in-form Hughes (22-5-2, 4 KOs) had a career-best 2020, upsetting former world title challenger Jono Carroll in August before outpointing the fancied Viktor Kotochigov in October.
MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton said: “It’s fantastic that Maxi Hughes is stepping up to take on Paul Hyland for the British lightweight title. Maxi has dreamed his whole life of becoming British champion, and now has his chance.
“It’s a shame that Liam Walsh is unable to fight, but full credit to Maxi for stepping up, and for Paul Hyland for taking the fight. It’s a brilliant 50-50 battle and one that I can’t wait for.
“It’s a massive show next month with Karim Guerfi also defending his European bantamweight title against Lee McGregor, with even more big fights set to be announced in the coming days.”