Hovhannes Bachkov is still set for a stiff test, just not against the opponent he originally planned for.

The 2020 Armenian Olympic bronze medalist Bachkov (7-0, 6 KOs) will face Xolisani Ndongeni (33-6, 19 KOs) on Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey, after the power-punching Uzbek southpaw Shohjahon Ergashev (25-2, 22 KOs) was forced to withdraw from their junior welterweight fight due to a left hand injury.

"Ndongeni is a great replacement opponent and we are expecting a tough fight against him," Bachkov's trainer Albert Ayrapetyan told The Ring on Tuesday. "I'm looking forward to seeing Hovhannes Bachkov put on another dominating performance for him to get one step closer to fighting for a world title.”

Ndongeni's losses have come at the highest level against the likes of Devin Haney, Raymond Muratalla, Arnold Barboza Jr., and Ernesto "Tito" Mercado. Ndongeni, a 35-year-old from South Africa, will be coming into the fight rejuvenated off an upset split decision win against the previously unbeaten Nestor Bravo in March.

Bachkov, a 32-year-old from Gyumri, Armenia, has knocked out his last six opponents.

The 10-round contest between Bachkov and Ndongeni will provide chief support billing for the IBA Pro 7 card headlined by the fight between WBA interim junior lightweight titleholder Albert Batyrgaziev and Jazza Dickens.