The Orangeville boxer was originally supposed to fight Lester on Feb. 23, a fight that was rescheduled when Grant hurt his shoulder during training. The latest setback, for their May 9 bout, came as a result of Michigan's Lester having trouble getting across the border, according to Grant.

"Apparently he has some legal issues in the US," he says of Lester. "It's frustrating. I've been preparing for this fight for months now. The first time was an injury, which you can deal with; it's part of the sport. But now this ... it's very, very frustrating."

The fight has been rescheduled for June 21 at the Hamilton Convention Centre. But Grant (6-3, 4 KOs) isn't sure Lester (4-2, 2 KOs) will still be the opponent.

"There are some different names being mentioned as a possible replacement for Lester," Grant says. "I'm still focussing on Lester for now, but I'm becoming less and less convinced it's going to happen."

That news is especially disappointing for Grant, as he wanted the opportunity to avenge two losses he suffered to Lester in his home state of Michigan.

"I know I beat him two years ago [Grant lost a split decision], and I know I'm twice the fighter now than I was then," Grant says. "It's frustrating, because I've been training hard and I'm ready for James Lester. That's the fight I really want."

Grant hasn't fought since October of last year, when he scored a unanimous decision win over Jason Hayward for the Canadian super bantamweight title.

"I thought the offers would be pouring in after I won the title," Grant says. "It hasn't happened.

"I wanted to get in the ring quickly, and build on the momentum I had after winning the title. The longer this drags on, the less momentum there is."

Grant still hopes to fight twice this year, in June and in September at the Powerade Centre in Brampton.

"That will either be a defence of my title, or I'll move up to 126 or 130 and fight for the Canadian title at that weight," Grant explains about the September fight.

Grant went on to say that the layoff has forced him to reconsider his long-term boxing plan.

"I think I'll have three or four more of these hometown fights, and then I'll train my butt off and try to pull an upset somewhere in a bigger fight. I'm going to be 30 this year, and if I stay at this pace I'll never get where I want to go."