There’s been an enforced change to the semi-final line-up for the Cage Warriors middleweight title tournament.

Both semi-finals take place at CWFC Fight Night 5 in Amman, Jordan on Thursday, April 12, but John Phillips will now face Pavel Kusch, after Chris Fields withdrew due to a back injury.

Fields (9-3-0) booked his place in the last four courtesy of a first-round KO of Jack Mason at CWFC 45 in London back in February, but the 28-year-old Dubliner is now out of contention for the vacant title.

“We’re very disappointed for Chris that he’s had to pull out. This was a fight everyone was looking forward to so it’s an unfortunate situation,” said Cage Warriors director Graham Boylan.

“But credit to Pavel Kusch for taking the opportunity at late notice. People saw what he’s capable of at Cage Warriors 46 and I’m sure he’ll provide a very tough challenge for John Phillips.

“We wish Chris Fields all the best in his recovery from injury but we’re now looking forward to what I think will be a great fight in Jordan next week between Pavel and John.”

Kusch (12-2-0), who fights out of Ukraine’s renowned Combat Dobro gym, made a huge impression at CWFC 46 in Kiev in February when he defeated Alexander Starikov by a stunning omoplata after just 30 seconds of the first round.

The 23-year-old is a ProFC and M-1 veteran and has secured all 12 of his professional victories by submission.

Kusch or Phillips (14-4-0-1nc) will take on the winner of the first semi-final between Victor Cheng and Faycal Hucin in a middleweight title bout in London in July. Both semi-finals take place at the New Boxing Arena in Amman a week on Thursday.

Read More: International Scene

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