Lee Purdy won’t be going to Atlantic City to make up the numbers when he gets his shot at the IBF World Welterweight title next month.
 

The Colchester boxer will fight Devon Alexander for the American’s world crown after an unexpected turn of events saw him become the mandatory challenger for the title.
 

Britain’s Kell Brook had been due to face Alexander on May 18, but was forced to pull out with a foot injury last week.
 

With no number-two ranked boxer in the IBF standings and number three, Kevin Bizier, unable to fulfil the bout, the chance to face the holder came to the fourth-ranked fighter – Purdy.
 

And the Colchester man wasn’t going to miss his shot on the world stage.
 

He told the Gazette: “My manager rang me up on Friday morning and told me if the number-three ranked fighter didn’t take it then I’d be in line to be the mandatory challenger.
 

“When he (Bizier) didn’t take it on I was next up and I said yes straight away.
 

“I didn’t even have to think about it.
 

“I know I won’t have had the ideal preparation, but I’m in good shape after my last fight and I’m right up for this one.
 

“I’m not going over there to make up the numbers, I’m going to do a job."

See today's Gazette for the full version of our story with Lee's thoughts on how he can triumph in Atlantic City.