By Rick Reeno and Michael Doss

Ronnie Shields, the trainer of Rocky Juarez, has confirmed to BoxingScene.com that WBA featherweight champion Chris John is unable to fight on June 27 at Staples Center in California. BoxingScene reported earlier that John felt ill during some recent training sessions and a physical examination revealed irregularities in his blood. The fight was scheduled as the HBO televised co-feature to Victor Ortiz-Marcos Maidana.

According to Shields, Juarez would like to move forward with a replacement opponent. With less than a week to go, the hunt will be hard to secure a replacement suitable enough for HBO to approve. HBO is said to be interested in keeping Juarez in the co-feature position - if a suitable opponent is found.