Eric Odumase will meet Michael Gomez, the British super-featherweight champion, for the vacant WBU title at Manchester's MEN Arena on April 3, after original opponent Gavin Rees pulled out due to a hand injury.

Gomez, who shocked Alex Arthur to win the British crown last October, will feature on the Ricky Hatton-Kelson Pinto undercard.

"I will be looking to finish him early and make a real statement like I did against Alex Arthur," said Gomez.

"I'm really excited to get this fight and I'm looking forward to putting on a great performance for the Manchester fans," added the 26-year-old.

"Odumase is a good, hard, kid and I'm preparing to have a right war with him.

"He's got a come forward style and so have I so we shouldn't have to go looking for each other."

Gomez challenged for the WBU title in 2002 but lost to Londoner Kevin Lear after retiring on his stool at the end of the eighth round.
"I don't want to look beyond Odumase but I really want to smash Lear to bits and redeem myself."
The Manchester show will also feature former WBA light welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell against fellow American Michael Stewart and David Barnes' British welterweight defence against Glen McLarnon.