British boxer steps in at two weeks’ notice for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard after fighter pulled out
A BOXER has stepped in to fight on the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Yysk II undercard at just two weeks' notice.
Serhii Bohachuk had been left without an opponent as Israil Madrimov, 29, withdrew from the clash.
It has been confirmed that the Usbek fighter has been suffering from acute bronchitis.
This has caused him to pull out of the fight on December 21 at The Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh revealed that British star Ishmael Davis will step in to replace Madrimov.
He wrote: 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.
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"British fighter Ishmael Davis will replace Madrimov, who will now rest and recover for his scheduled fight on Feb 22 fight with Vergil Ortiz."
As per Alalshikh's announcement, Madrimov is still expected to return to the ring on February 22 to take on WBC interim champion Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Davis, 29, has taken part in two more professional fights than Madrimov in his career.
He has been victorious in 13 of his 14 bouts, with six being won by knockout.
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It is not the first time he has stepped in for a fight at late notice.
In September, he took on Josh Kelly as a late replacement for Liam Smith but lost the fight.
Fury vs Usyk full card
Here is a look at the updated fight card...
- Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury; For Usyk's WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles
- Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis
- Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean
- Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen
- Dennis McCann vs Peter McGrail
- Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury has admitted he will not try to outbox Oleksandr Usyk when they reunite in the ring.
The Gypsy King was beaten by the Ukrainian when they met in May via a split decision.
The Wythenshawe warrior has insisted that he lost the first duel because he was "playing around" with Usyk.
He has now admitted he is planning on entering the ring for the second time in "destroy mode".
Fury is also being lined up for a stunning rematch against Wladimir Klitschko after their 2015 showdown.
The Morecambe star dethroned the Klitschko in a huge upset two years before his retirement.