By Terence Dooley

Dublin's Dean Byrne has stepped up at short-notice and will take on America's Carson Jones over eight-threes on Matchroom's "Christmas Cracker" bill following Lee Purdy's withdrawal earlier this week.  Byrne, 28, has had mixed fortunes over the past year, he lost to Frank Haroche Horta by eighth-round TKO last October then dropped an eight-round decision to Terry Holmes in April, but bounced back to hand Kevin McAuley a four-threes decision defeat in September.  The 16-2 (6) fighter now has a chance to make a name for himself before the Sky TV cameras.

 

Jones dropped a majority decision to Kell Brook in July, it was a close fight and the 34-9-2 (24) won over a lot of British fans with his intense style and sportsmanship.  Although no doubt disappointed with the change of opponent, the 26-year-old is unlikely to take his eye off the ball and will be a big betting favourite come Saturday night.

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