Ross Cooksey is hoping to adapt to this week's late change of plans when he takes on stand-in opponent Ricky Starkey in MTK Global's show at the University of Bolton Stadium tonight.

In what is his first fight since recovering from a fractured wrist, Cooksey was originally slated to face Batley's Nabil Ahmed in his attempt to extend his professional record to eight wins from eight bouts, only for him to pull out.

The 27-year-old super featherweight was also due to box for six rounds for just the second time in his career, but he will now have just four rounds against Starkey, 34, who has had 20 bouts as a pro.

It wasn't the first time the goalposts have been moved in the build-up for Cooksey, who said: "I was scheduled to be doing a six-round fight against a Scottish opponent, but there have been a few issues out of my control.

"Instead, a late replacement has had to step in and the bout is now over four rounds."

Along with his fellow Barrovian Mike McGoldrick, Cooksey is looking to keep up the winning habit amongst the town's boxers, after Liam Conroy's victory over Andre Sterling in the quarter finals of the Golden Contract last week.

"To keep the buzz going from Liam's win last week would be a great ending to the year for Barrow boxing and for us boxing out of MTK Manchester," he said.

Cooksey, who was at Conroy's fight in Brentwood, has been pleasantly surprised with the amount of support he's been getting from his hometown for a fight so close to Christmas.

He said: "The support has been unreal - I was a bit hesitant to actually box on this show, as I didn't think I would sell many tickets with it being so close to Christmas. I've actually sold around 60, which isn't bad at all, especially at this time of year, so I can't thank them enough for coming out."

Cooksey would like to thank his sponsors, Schofield Construction, The Bakery, Eden Property and Lettings Management, JD Comps, Nuffield Health and Masons Butchers for their support.