WAYNE McCULLOUGH'S 10-round bout in Denver, Colorado tonight will go ahead despite the withdrawal of ITV.

The 26-year-old world bantam-weight title holder was furious when Duke McKenzie pulled outs earlier this week. He will now face Mexico's Julio Cesar Cardona.

Manager Matt Tinley explained: "After McKenzie withdrew, we flew over British super-bantam-weight champion Richie Wenton, but then ITV rejected him as an opponent.

"So I offered six-figure sums to Billy Hardy, Colin McMillan, Robbie Regan and Steve Robinson and they all declined.

"Wayne was determined to fight and not to let down the fans at the 3,300 seater arena in Denver which is a sell-out."

Cardona, a 21-year-old from Mexico City, holds an indifferent record of 26 wins and 11 defeats, and should prove little threat to McCullough's unbeaten record.

ITV still have the "Pocket Rocket" under contract for one more contest in their three-fight deal, which will probably take place in August.