Enzo Maccarinelli is looking for a new opponent for his ExCeL London bout on Saturday after Johnathon Banks withdrew with an ankle injury.
The Argus understands that the Swansea star, trained by Enzo Calzaghe at the Newbridge gym, will still challenge for the vacant WBO cruiserweight crown, which he lost to Londoner David Haye in March.
And one of the surprise names in the frame to step in at the last minute is 37-year-old Herbie Hide.
The veteran Brit, known as the Dancing Destroyer, has an impressive 46-4 record and is a former two-time WBO heavyweight champion.
He now fights at crusierweight and is believed to be one of three men being considered to headline against Maccarinelli on Saturday night.
US fighter Banks was training in Spain with Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and hurt himself during a training session.
Maccarinelli's promoters Sports Network plan to announce a new opponent soon.
A statement from the promoters read: “Enzo Maccarinelli is looking for a new challenger for this Saturday at the ExCeL London after Johnathon Banks withdrew with an ankle injury.
“The hard-hitting Welshman still headlines the show and challenges for his previously held WBO world cruiserweight title. A new opponent will be announced shortly.”
“I have been training twice as hard since the David Haye fight,” said 28-year-old Maccarinelli.
“I don't think I've ever hit this hard, and I've had to hold back a bit there's so much in my punches.”
Maccarinelli is desperate to make amends for his second-round knockout defeat by Haye at the O2 Arena.
He still hopes to have the opportunity to make up for that loss with a tilt at the WBO title, which Haye vacated in order to move up to heavyweight.
The Welshman has been on a strength and conditioning programme ahead of the fight which has seen his body mass index drop dramatically – and his muscle density increase two-fold.
“Losing to Haye made me realise how much I love this sport, and the Monday after the fight I was back in the gym,” he said.
“I've been doing all my usual runs and fitness programmes with the boys from the gym, but have looked to improve my strength as well.
“I've been chopping logs and dragging tyres around to make me stronger, and I've already seen the effects in sparring.”
