Billy Joe Saunders has been forced into an embarrassing climbdown after accepting a fight for an interim world title in May.
The former middleweight ruler announced last month that he would be challenging for the full WBO super-middleweight belt against No.1 ranked Shefat Isufi.
But after champion Gilberto Ramirez insisted he had no intention of relinquishing his belt, Saunders was forced into a rethink.
He will now take on the unknown Isufi at the Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC, on May 18 - subject to a license being obtained.
Saunders said: "It is what it is and no problem. I shall fight this No.1 ranked opponent and I will be taking his spot and then I will fight Ramirez after. Let's get that fight going on.
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"If he moves up I would become world champion but I don't want to win it that way because I want to beat the champion.
"It is all good vibes from me, I am willing to fight anybody in the super middleweight or middleweight category and put on a masterful display.
"I am very, very happy for the fight, more or less, to be taking place in my home town.
"Stevenage and Hatfield is my area and I am excited to be fighting in front of my 'home' fans and I am finally home."
Saunders gave up his middleweight belt last year when he failed a drugs test ahead of his defence against Demetrius Andrade.
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He then weighed in at almost 179lb - more than the light-heavyweight limit - for his facile victory over Charles Adamu in December.
The 29-year-old's promoter Frank Warren added: "If he is successful against Isufi - and we are not underestimating the threat he poses - Bill will either become world champion or fight Ramirez for the title should he stick around at super middleweight.
"Stevenage is new territory for us and I am looking forward to breaking new ground. I am sure the local fans will come out in numbers to support their local man as Bill enters this next phase of his career."
