Anthony Joshua MBE is set to replace World title challenger Frankie Gavin on the bill at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on May 9, live on Sky Sports.
Gavin was set to face Chris van Heerden in an IBF Welterweight eliminator, but now challenges Sheffield’s unbeaten IBF king Kell Brook at the top of a bumper bill at The O2 in London on May 30, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joshua returned to action at the weekend in Newcastle with a third round stoppage win over American Jason Gavern, and the Olympic Heavyweight gold medal hero will be looking to sharpen his tools in explosive fashion in Birmingham before facing Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson on May 30.
The 25 year old will join a star-studded line-up as Kal Yafai faces Rey Megrino for the WBC Silver Flyweight title, world-rated Middleweight Matthew Macklin boxes in Birmingham for the first time in almost five years as he looks to bounce back from defeat to Jorge Sebastian Heiland, unbeaten Kal’s brother Gamal will continue his rise in the pro ranks while all-action Stourbridge youngster Sam Eggington is hunting a major title bout after his brilliant win over Shayne Singleton in Hull on March 7.
“It’s a huge opportunity for Frankie and it means he cannot fight on May 9,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It is likely that Anthony will now replace him and we will make a full announcement on Monday regarding the card.”
Tickets are on sale for May 9 now priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.barclaycardarena.co.uk and VIP tickets priced at £150 exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com
Tickets are now on general sale for the bumper night of boxing at The O2 with tickets priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 available from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202. The £400 VIP packages are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com
