Reports surfaced earlier this week that the fight could be in trouble and it’s since come to light that McCarthy is out of the fight.
Perez is still scheduled to feature on the bill in his debut at 200 pounds, although the former heavyweight contender will more likely have a routine run-out.
Patrick Thomas, Perez handler exclusively told World Boxing News: “Yes, the fight is off. Tommy McCarthy pulled out of the fight.
“Mike is still on the card and is fighting at cruiserweight,” he added.
The Cuban, known as ‘The Rebel’, has been touted for big things since winning a Prizefighter tournament at heavyweight, although looks super-fit at the lower limit and could make an impact with the move down.
In other Matchroom news, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed he’s attempting to finalize a light-heavyweight battle between Nathan Cleverly and Badou Jack.
Cleverly, who holds a lesser version of the 175 pound title, has been out of action since retiring Juergen Braehmer in October and is known to want a big name foe for the fall.
Jack, an ex-WBC super-middleweight champion who decided to make the jump up seven pounds, fits the bill perfectly and Hearn is keen to secure the Gambian-Swede for Cleverly’s next test.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
