By Alexey Sukachev

A late sub isn’t always a curse for fans but sometimes it is a blessing. At least, in the case of Vyacheslav Uzelkov’s latest change in opponent as his original counterpart Sofiane Sebihi (20-4, 14 KOs) has been recently replaced with the Frenchman Doudou N’Gumbu (30-4, 11 KOs). The fight for the WBO I/C title, held by Uzelkov, will take place on March 16 at the Kiev Palace of Sports.

Sebihi was said to have suffered a severe rib injury, which prevented him from entering the show. Luckily for K2 Ukraine, a replacement has been found in the shortest time possible.

“We considered three fighters to give a stern test to Vyacheslav: Cedric Agnew, Sofiane Sebihi and Doudou N’Gumbu”, explained Olexander Krasyuk, the CEO of K2 Ukraine. “Agnew told us he had an arm injury and that he couldn’t recover in time. Then we chose Sebihi, and as he suffered an injury himself, we have called up for N’Gumbu. Thanks to our colleagues from the Ukrainian embassy that helped Doudou to obtain his visa as fast as possible. Frankly speaking, I think the Frenchman is a harder foe for Uzelkov than the Swiss fighter”.

N’Gumbu, 31, will present a considerable danger for WBO/IBF #3 and WBA #4 ranked light heavyweight Uzelkov (28-2, 17 KOs). He had some notable wins in his past, including one over former Polish Olympian Aleksy Kuziemskiy, and he fought on even terms with such fighters as Igor Mikhalkin and Isaac Chilemba.