 Eastman had been due to meet Jorge Sendra |
Howard Eastman has pulled out of the mandatory defence of his European middleweight crown with a knee injury. Eastman was due to meet Jorge Sendra at the Derby Storm Arena in late November, but the bout now looks likely to occur in early 2004.
Promising young super-middleweight Carl Froch will now top the bill.
"This will be a showcase of my skills and a declaration of my intent," said Nottingham's Froch.
He added: "Being a local, there will be a lot of my fans travelling from Nottingham to watch me in Derby, where my main goal will be to throw down the gauntlet to anyone who holds a title I want."
Promoter Mick Hennessy said: "Our strategy for Carl is going exactly to plan.
"Every challenge we have given him, Carl has met and exceeded in remarkable style.
"I'm now looking to line up Carl to fight for the British and Commonwealth titles early next year."
MMIX
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