By Terence Dooley

Sheffield’s Richard Towers has been forced to withdraw from this weekend’s British heavyweight title eliminator against Conisbrough's David Allen (8-0-1, 5 KOs) due to pneumonia. Adam Booth, his trainer, confirmed the news to BoxingScene earlier today.

The two contenders were set to collide at the Sheffield Arena on the undercard of Kell Brook’s IBF mandatory welterweight title defence against Kevin Bizier only for the contest to be spiked during fight week. Promoter Eddie Hearn moved quickly, though, to bring in Orlando's Gavern (27-20-4, 12 early) as an opponent for Allen.

“I'm pleased Dave has a real fight on Saturday as he's really put himself through it in camp,” said Hearn when speaking to Sky Sports News HQ. “Gavern's CV is a who's who of elite talent and at this stage of Dave Allen's career, this is a real test.”

Gavern went four rounds with Deontay Wilder in 2014; he also went three with Anthony Joshua on his last visit to the U.K.

The 38-year-old beat Larry Olubamiwo and James Toney en route to the Prizefighter: The Heavyweights final in 2013 before losing to Michael Sprott and is a decent short-notice test for Allen, who had hoped to move into British title contention.

For now, though, the 24-year-old “White Rhino” will have to deal with Gavern before trying to rearrange the British title eliminator.

Please send news and views to @Terryboxing