THE much anticipated fight of Collie cult hero Liam 'Lethal' Vernon and Ivan Seau is off, with the New Zealandboxer backing out.
The Collie Mail understands that the fourth-ranked Kiwi fighter had been hoping for an easy victory to climb the rankings.
Vernon's recent climb in the rankings to 21, coincided with Seau pulling out.
However, match-maker Mike Almatura - who called trainer Tommy Greenwood with the bad news on Tuesday - managed to secure and even more exciting fight.
Vernon will now take on Daniel Maxwell, who is the number one super-welterweight fighter in New Zealand and ranked third in the middleweight rankings.
Greenwood was critical of Seau for backing out, but was pleased to get an even tougher opponent.
"Seau was hoping to use Liam as a stepping stone with an easy win," he said.
"Obviously when he did a little research, he realised that wasn't going to be the case.
"It's great that Liam will be able to test himself against a better, higher ranked fighter.
"It also gives Liam a lot of confidence to know people are studying him and following his progress."
"He is still the underdog and we can live with that."
Vernon said the change of opponent didn't faze him.
"A fight's a fight," he said.
"I'll adapt and work some new skill sets to take on a faster fighter.
"But the basic skills and routine will remain the same.
"Maxwell utilises his speed and is more mobile, so I will adapt to that."
Greenwood called on the Collie public public to take advantage of the close proximity of the fight.
"Tickets are selling fast, it seems like half of Collie is going, so get in quick."
"Liam is a gladiator - doesn't matter if he is fighting a lion or a tiger, he is up to the challenge.
The fight will be at Eaton Recreation Centre on August 1.
For ticketing information call 0407 466 985.