The proposed world title bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua has been postponed until next year after the Ukrainian was forced to pull out with an injury.
The pair were expected to face off in a heavyweight super-fight for Joshua's IBF title, in addition to the WBA and WBO belts vacated by Tyson Fury earlier this month.
It was hoped that a fight could take place at the Manchester Arena on December 10, but Klitschko's injury - reportedly to his calf - means that the bout will have to wait until 2017.
Joshua will still defend his IBF belt in Manchester on December 10, but is now on the lookout for a new opponent.
"We've been in deep negotiations for a few weeks now waiting on the decision from the WBA," promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports News.
"I was made aware that Wladimir picked up a minor injury late last week but regardless of that, with just over six weeks to go til December 10, it's unrealistic to put together a fight of this magnitude and give it the full build up it deserves.
"There will be an official announcement on Joshua vs. Klitschko coming very soon but for now we are seeking a new foe for December 10 and building a huge card for Manchester."
The WBA's ruling over the belt being up for grabs in the proposed fight was held up due to "legal matters".
