PAIGNTON light middleweight Liam Power says he won't be altering his training regime too much, despite a late change of opponent ahead of his fight at the Torquay Riviera International Centre on March 6.

Power was due to face Barnstaple's Jimmy Briggs on the Mayo Promotions bill, but Briggs has suffered an injury in training.

Instead, 22-year-old Power must tackle Walsall's Joel Ryan — another emerging unbeaten prospect in the paid ranks.

The 19-year-old West Midlands fighter has won both his professional bouts so far, with the latest coming just before Christmas.

"Ryan has had two fights but they were 10 months apart, so it is not as though he has built up any real ring momentum," said Power.

"He also had a good amateur record, doing well in the ABA Championships, so I'm going to show the necessary respect he deserves and he will, no doubt, do the same.

"Both of his fights were held close to home, but now he is boxing in the Bay where I'll have plenty of supporters behind me.

"The change in opponent will not make much of a difference to my preparations as he is another orthodox boxer.

"It is a pity Jimmy had to pull out as an all-Devon fight would have had some added spice. But in this game you have to face whoever is in front of you, and I'm more than happy to box Joel."

Power won his only professional outing against Gareth Heard in Trowbridge last November.

The Riviera Centre show also features South Devon welterweight Ben Wakeham and super featherweight Jamie Speight, who tops the bill in a rematch against Bideford's John Van Emmenis.

Tickets cost £35, £50 (inner ringside) or £60 (VIP), and are available from Power (07795 823394) or at the Riviera Centre in Torquay.

Quoted from the Herald Express on Thursday 25th February