ST JOSEPH’S boxer Gary Buckland is staying positive after seeing Saturday’s title fight against Scott Cardle snatched away from him after a month of intense training.

Cardle was ruled out of defending the British lightweight belt he won in May for the first time after sustaining a tear in his quadriceps in his final spar for the fight this week.

So Buckland will instead take on Sean Dodd at the Liverpool Olympia, with the winner set to face Cardle for the Lonsdale belt in Liverpool on November 7.

“It’s poor luck for Scotty who was looking forward to the first defence of his British title but what a golden opportunity for Sean,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

“I am looking forward to making the winner against Scotty for the British title on our bumper ‘Who’s Fooling Who?’ bill at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on November 7.”

Buckland, who trains at St Joes with Tony Borg, is used to the ups and downs of life as a professional boxer.

In 2013 he travelled 7,000 miles to Argentina only to see his WBC Silver super-featherweight title clash with Fernando David Saucedo called off because of rioting fans in Buenos Aires.

And he’s remaining philosophical about this latest setback.

“It was bad news but I’m still on the show, still on Sky Sports, and I get to fight Scott Cardle in November,” said the 29-year-old former British super-featherweight champ.

“It’s not his fault; it’s just one of those things that happen in boxing.

“He got an injury and it’s a title fight so he didn’t want to take any chances and hopefully we get it on in November.

“It’s heartbreaking really but I can’t let myself get down because it will affect me on Saturday.

“I have been a bit unlucky in the last few years but I always bounce back.

“It can’t get any worse than it was in Argentina when the fight was called off minutes before I got in the ring – this is nothing compared to that.”

Buckland says he has trained harder than ever to face Cardle but he has now switched his attention to Dodd – for the next three days at least.

“For this fight I have been so dedicated it’s like I’ve put myself in prison,” he said.

“I haven’t left home or the gym for a month – I just eat, sleep and train – I’ve put everything into it.

“I’ve had a quick look at Dodd on YouTube and he looks a decent guy but I think he’s there to be beaten and hopefully I can go in there and beat him.

“I’m not looking past Saturday. I take care of Saturday and then I can focus on Cardle.”