Belfast featherweight Marco McCullough [13(9)-2(1)] will have to adjust his preparations for his big fight next week at the Waterfront Hall. The 25 year old was due to face tough Scot Jon Slowey [19(0)-2(0)] but the Glasgow southpaw has withdrawn.

Instead, McCullough will now face Spaniard Sergio Prado [11(4)-5(1)-1] on the bill which is topped by the BBBoC Celtic fight between Alfredo Meli and Conrad Cummings.

McCullough is happy with the short-notice replacement though, noting that “Sergio Prado is a proven operator who has fought at a high level and is a former EU champ so I know I’ll have to be at my best.”

The Cyclone star did admit that “it’s disappointing that Jon has pulled out but now I have to focus on Prado and get the win in front of my home fans.”

Nevertheless, the former Irish champ explained that the Madrid fighter is not a soft touch, and may even be a stronger opponent than Slowey, reasoning that “this guy comes to win and is probably a better opponent than my original one so the fans are in for a real treat!”

“I am one hundred percent confident that I will get the win on November 20, it’s going to be a great night.”

McCullough’s promoter Blaine McGuigan echoed these sentiments, saying that “I’m really pleased that we have managed to find such a competitive replacement for Marc.”

“Sergio Prado is a former EU champ and will be coming to Belfast to win.”

“Prado is an aggressive, come-forward fighter and has boxed at a higher level than Marc’s original opponent so I believe that this will be a much more entertaining fight for the fans on November 20 at the Waterfront Hall.”