RICHARD Farnan insists that Kelly Morgan will not be knocked off her stride following a late change of opponent for her WBC Silver middleweight title bout.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games javelin bronze medallist was informed on Wednesday night that she would not be facing Ghana’s Gifty Ankrah as bureaucratic red tape meant that it was unlikely she would have got a visa in time for next Friday.

However, Morgan’s manager and trainer, Richard Farnan, along with the promoters for next Friday’s show at the Grange Drive Leisure Centre – Neilson Boxing – have moved quickly to bring in a replacement.

The former England netball international, who has won all three of her professional bouts to date, will now face Germany’s Lisa Cielas.

“The WBC have done a great job in getting this approved for us so quickly,” Farnan told the Advertiser.

“I told Kelly on Wednesday night after training and she was fine.

“Yes, she has been preparing to face Gifty since January, but Lisa is very similar is stature and style so nothing really changes.

“Kelly is ready and will win that belt.”

Ankrah was set for her visa meeting on Tuesday next week, however, there was no guarantee that it would have been sorted in time.

“Even if Gifty would have had her visa approved then it could be five to seven days before it is granted,” added Farnan.

“So we have moved on and it is fantastic that we have got Lisa sorted so soon.”

Meanwhile, Paddy Fitzpatrick’s unbeaten cruiserweight Luke Watkins has been added to the bill next Friday.

The Duke, who has won all six of his professional bouts to date, will be in a six round contest.

Neilson Boxing’s Mark Neilson said: “It’s great news that ‘The Duke’ agreed to fight on the show next week. We’ve had some very positive discussions with Paddy Fitzpatrick about working together and we want as many local fighters on our shows as possible.”