Mark Hobson is ready to burst on to the big stage after landing an unexpected shot at Enzo Maccarinelli.

Hobson has stepped in to face the WBU cruiserweight champion after Johnny Nelson damaged his knee in training.

The fight is the chief support for Joe Calzaghe's showdown with Jeff Lacey in Manchester on March 4, offering a

fantastic opportunity for Huddersfield's British and Commonwealth king.

"Mark's been on the periphery of big fights for a couple of years and this is his big chance," said trainer Chris Aston.

"He really wants this one and you can see the difference in him. He is very, very focused."

Aston has accused the highly-rated Maccarinelli of side-stepping Hobson in the past to take on easier options.

Hobson, who has not fought since December 2004 when he outpointed slugger Bruce Scott, was due to return to the ring at York Hall tonight against Sheffield's John Keaton in a low-key six-rounder. Instead, he is training for a fight that could shape his future.

Maccarinelli's WBU belt will be on the line and possibly the WBO interim title. But this is all about claiming a major scalp and Aston said: "We had other routes to go but Mark has really wanted this one.

"He will still be British champion even if he loses but both know what this fight means. The winner moves on to even bigger things, the other one doesn't.

"We'll see what Maccarinelli is made of because this is the first live opponent he has had in front of him. Mark Hobson will go out and hit him - and hit him for 12 rounds if necessary.

"You've got two young guys who really want to win in there. Neither Maccarinelli nor David Haye has ever been in with one of them before."