By Edward Chaykovsky
Maybe the third time is the charm for Dillian Whyte (16-1, 13KOs), who once again has a new opponent in place for Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London.
On Monday, it was reported that Whyte was going to take on veteran Danny Batchelder (31-11-1, 15KOs) as part of the undercard to the Anthony Joshua vs. Dominic Breazeale Sky Sports Pay-Per-View.
As reported earlier today by BoxingScene.com's Elliot Foster, Batchelder withdrew from the contest and now Whyte will take on late replacement opponent Ivica Bacurin (24-9-1, 14KOs), who was knocked out in ten rounds a year ago by Tony Bellew. Bacurin has gone 2-1 since that loss.
Whyte had been scheduled to face Cyril Leonet, who withdrew from the contest. The British is already scheduled to fight again on July 30th, as part of Matchroom's card at the Firest Direct Arena in Leeds.
This is the first fight for Whyte since undergoing shoulder surgery and losing by way of knockout last December to Joshua in the seventh round, which is the longest fight of the IBF champion's career.
There are several opponents that Whyte is looking to go after in the coming months. Recently the British Boxing Board of Control ordered him to fight Sam Sexton for the vacant British heavyweight crown.
Whyte has other targets in mind as well. He recently traded words at a press event with Dereck Chisora. He aims to get Chisora in the ring by the end of the year, if their promoters can work out the therms. Chisora is promoted by German-based Sauerland Event, who also handle British fighters George Groves, Anthony Ogogo and David Price.