Ishmael Davis has now stepped in to fight Josh Kelly on the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois undercard, live on talkSPORT this Saturday, after Liam Smith had to pull out.

The former world champion is suffering with a virus and so has had to withdraw from the crossroads fight with contender Kelly, who will now instead face another rising contender in Davis.

AJ vs Dubois is set for Saturday nightMark Robinson/Matchroom

Davis was due to return on the Jack Catterall vs Regis Prograis show in late October and so has already been training.

This quick turnaround to fight a month earlier instead will no doubt be a disadvantage though.

Regardless, the new fight is a very interesting one.

Kelly put on a career-best performance when he beat Troy Williamson to win the British super-welterweight title in December 2022.

And in his most recent fight in March, Davis did exactly the same thing as he too outpointed Williamson, albeit without the British belt on the line.

Matchroom’s press release said: “The unbeaten Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6KOs) has been confirmed to take on Josh Kelly as part of Riyadh Season Wembley Card this Saturday September 21 in London.

“The Leeds-born fighter most recently defeated Troy Williamson via unanimous decision in a 12-round super-welterweight contest and now gets the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Kelly at Wembley Stadium this weekend, following the withdrawal of Liam Smith due to a virus.

“The fight is part of a stacked card at England’s national stadium on Saturday, headlined by Daniel Dubois‘ first defence of his IBF heavyweight title against two-time former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in front of what is expected to be a record crowd for a UK boxing event.

“The Riyadh Season Card showpiece in London features a total of six all-British fights as well as a special performance from legendary Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.”

Fans generally reacted positively to the news, knowing Kelly vs Davis remains an intriguing fight.

Kelly will now take on Davis this SaturdayWASSERMAN BOXING

One wrote: “Happy for Ishmael Davis he deserves it.”

While a second fan put: “Good choice still a good fight tbh.”

A third commented: “Brilliant replacement. Good fight.”

And a fourth said: “Solid replacement.”

Another fan explained: “Very good opportunity for Davis, happy for him. Feel like it’s come too quick but you have to take every opportunity that comes. Got Kelly by UD but Ish will makes this a good fight no doubt.”

talkSPORT will bring you exclusive live commentary of the heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on Saturday, September 21. Download the talkSPORT app here.