Ishmael Davis will replace Liam Smith as the opponent for Josh Kelly at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

A virus forced Smith to withdraw from the appealing middleweight contest on the undercard of the IBF heavyweight title fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, leading to the 29-year-old Davis being recruited to fight Kelly instead. 

In his past fight Davis earned a unanimous decision over Troy Williamson – who in 2022 the 30-year-old Kelly also defeated in perhaps his most impressive win.

“Very thankful for the fast replacement,” wrote Kelly’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing, on social media after Smith’s late-notice withdrawal had cast doubt over Kelly’s participation. “Can’t wait to see Josh Kelly at Wembley Stadium for a huge show on Saturday.”