Light heavyweight prospect Joshua Buatsi is out of his WBA world title eliminator against Blake Caparello on November 2nd in Manchester.

The unbeaten Brit (12-0, 10 KOs) 26-year-old issued a statement via his Twitter account to inform everyone of the news.

“I was advised to wait until a replacement fight was lined up but unfortunately due to illness and after speaking with doctors, I have had to pull out of my fight against Blake Caparello on November 2nd at the Manchester Arena.

“I am so disappointed to not be able to fight in front of the Manchester fans as it was a challenge I was realising. I just haven’t been able to train at the intensity required to fight. I plan to rest up and get back in the gym as soon as possible. More news coming soon.”

Heavyweight Martin Bakole (14-1, 11 KOs), fresh off stopping veteran Kevin Johnson in Newcastle on October 19th in Newcastle, steps in as the late replacement against an opponent to be announced shortly.

The withdrawal is a slightly damaging blow to Eddie Hearn’s card which features Katie Taylor bidding to become a two-weight world champion when she faces Christina Linardatou for the Greek’s WBO Super Lightweight title.

The bill also sees Anthony Crolla in his farewell fight, after a 13-year career, against Frank Urquiaga. There’s also domestic action featuring Felix Cash v Jack Cullen for the Commonwealth Middleweight title and Qais Ashfaq v Joe Ham for the vacant WBA Continental Super Bantamweight title. Recent Matchroom signing Terri Harper bids to become IBO World Female Super Featherweight champion when she squares off against Natasha Jonas’ conqueror Viviane Obenauf.