Ovill McKenzie will not challenge Tony Bellew for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight title next month, contrary to reports claiming the fight will happen.
The Derby knockout ace, who stopped Billy Boyle inside a round on Friday in Nottingham, will instead make a bid to become British champion later this year.
The 30-year-old is next scheduled to fight on April 23 on the undercard of Rendall Munroe's WBC super-bantamweight title final eliminator against Victor Terrazas.
"With the right fights, Ovill can become a big attraction in the Midlands and get attention all over Britain," said promoter Frank Maloney.
"Ovill is starting to shift tickets and his popularity is growing all the time. With the right fights he can become a star.
"He has been offered a fight with Bellew in March, but it isn't happening. Ovill is after the British title."
Anger
Bellew's ringside behaviour during McKenzie's victory over Boyle has caused anger in the Prizefighter cruiserweight winner's camp.
"Bellew was out of order with his aggressive cut throat gestures and should know better than to behave like that towards another professional," added Maloney.
"Ovill should have been enjoying his moment of glory, but had to put up with the sort of behaviour seen in American gangster films.
"What has Ovill done wrong to upset Bellew in the past?
"His antics has made sure the fight doesn't happen for now. I hope Bellew can dwell on the incident now and realise he was wrong."
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