JOHN Wayne Hibbert admitted he was “gutted” to see Tommy Coyle pull out of this weekend’s bout, but says his replacement must not be underestimated.

Coyle withdrew from this Saturday’s fight at Wembley Arena last weekend, citing “private reasons” with Hibbert now facing fellow super lightweight Martin Gethin over 10 rounds instead.

Hibbert, 31, says having a week’s notice to prepare for a different fighter is far from ideal and added the former British Champion and world title holder will be far from a pushover.

“I am gutted as I have worked really hard for this fight but they have got a good replacement in and it will be a good battle,” he said. “He is a former British champion but I still need to go in there and do the business.

“It is a bit of a kick in the teeth as you train hard for one fighter and now it is someone else but it is what it is.”

Gethin was in action only last weekend as the 33-year-old from Walsall took a points win following defeat in a Commonwealth title eliminator in September. He was forced to retire from his fight with Coyle last March due to a damaged eardrum, having floored the Hull man in round two.

But Hibbert, who was stopped in the sixth round by Andrea Scarpa in June, says if he approaches the fight professionally and sticks to his game plan he is confident of the right result, and a shot at Coyle next year.

“It is a hard one for him (Gethin),” said Hibbert. “He will be ready and prepared but so will I. One week’s notice against someone who has been preparing for months is a big ask.

“I hope the Coyle fight will happen in February. I want the very best Tommy Coyle and I need him in right frame of mind so we just have to move forward.”

Hibbert is expected in the ring at around 9pm, with the fight live on SkySports.