Adam Dingsdale’s route to the big time has been temporarily derailed but he's got a plan B.

The Hoo boxer was hoping to defend his lightweight southern area title against prizefighter finalist Michael Devine.

But his opponent pulled out of the March 7 fight on Monday claiming an injury.

“Gutted” was how Dingsdale described the news.

“I was really looking forward to it and winning that would have really got me back in the mix,” he said.

“He’s a bit of a name at the moment following the prizefighter tournament and I was well up for it.

“I know I would have beaten him and with the English and British titles both vacant at the moment I could have ended up with a shot at one of those.”

Dingsdale will now fight on the forthcoming show at Medway Park, on March 14, and could still defend his area title if a suitable opponent can be found.

It is unlikely he will be fighting a known name like Devine, though.

“I want a meaningful fight,” he said. “I was so focused for this one because I know I can’t be losing to people like Michael Devine. I had trained harder than most fights.”