California’s Ivan Pandzic has stepped in to fight Houston’s Marquis Taylor on Friday December 13 at Houston’s Owl’s Nest after the withdrawal of Petr Khamukov.

Just seven days before the bout, Pandzi, 15-2-1 (9 KOs), agreed to replace undefeated Russian who was forced to pull out after suffering a broken rib in training.

Taylor, 17-1-2 (2 KOs) and pictured above, will defend his NABF Middleweight belt against Pandzic in a 10-round top-of-bill fight at Houston’s Owl’s Nest, which will be broadcast live on DAZN.

It will be a significant step-up in class for 33-year-old Pandzic, who hasn't fought beyond eight rounds and has only recently moved up to the middleweight division. He secured a first round knockout against 35-year-old Donald Ward in September, which was his first fight at the weight and his first appearance in the ring since July 2022.

Taylor said: “Not fighting Petr is a real bummer. I wanted him on my resume given he’s undefeated and a former Olympian. It would have made a big statement and a strong case as to why I should be considered for a world title shot.

“Looking at Pandzic, he’s 15 and two and has more boxing experience so it’s still going to be competitive and good for the resume.”

Taylor’s manager and promoter Bobby Harrison admitted that Pandzic had ‘salvaged’ the fight.

“He’s stepped in with a little over a week’s notice to ensure the fight goes ahead – which was the ultimate goal.

“We don’t know much about him but he’s tall and will offer a different challenge to Marquis. He went a full eight rounds with Quinton Randall, losing on points, so that shows he’s no slouch.

“Marquis is disappointed he won’t be taking on Petr Khamukov. He’s been training in Las Vegas with Shawn Porter and they were definitely looking for a knockout against Petr. It’s down to Marquis and Shawn to work on the tactics but it should be an interesting fight.

“It may be a change of opponent, but it doesn’t change our plans to secure a world title shot in 2025. After this fight, we’ll definitely be looking to take a step up.”