By Liam Napier
New Zealand middleweight boxer Gunnar Jackson has missed out on a last-minute callup to fight Anthony Mundine this month.
Jackson's WBO Oriental middleweight title win last month in Auckland put him in the top 15 in the organisation and into contention to fight Mundine in Brisbane on January 29.
Tauranga-based Jackson (18-4) is understood to have been one of two boxers considered to take on Mundine.
Jackson will take heart that his long battle for recognition is starting to pay off.
Mundine's original opponent, American Carson Jones, pulled out because of the flu, and Fairfax Media understands the Australian will now fight American Billy Lyell for the WBA international title.
Lyell, 29, who has not fought since last February, has a 25-11 record and has lost four of his last eight fights.
He is a former title challenger, having lost to German Dominik Britsch for the IBF inter-continental crown in 2011.
Mundine (45-5) comes off a TKO win over American veteran Shane Mosley, a former champion in three weight divisions who is now retired.
Wallabies rugby star Quade Cooper is set to have his second pro fight on the undercard at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, taking on 40-year-old Warren Tresidder.