CENTER TWP — The stakes have gone up for Brian Minto.

The 34-year-old Butler heavyweight boxer has a new opponent for the Aug. 14 main event at Pullman Park in undefeated Donnell Holmes, who is ranked No. 15 by the WBA.

Minto (33-2, 21 knockouts) was scheduled to fight former WBA champion Bruce Seldon, 42, for Minto's WBA Fedecentro title and the interim WBO NABO crown.

"The WBO felt Seldon was too old, so it wouldn't sanction the fight," said Pat Nelson, Minto's manager. "Brian could have still fought Seldon for just the Fedecentro title, but he really wants this NABO title shot.

"That (NABO title) would put him into the top five of the rankings and get him that much closer to (WBO champion) Wladimir Klitschko."

Holmes (31-0-2, 27 KO's), of Ivanhoe, N.C., told the WBO he wants a fight with Minto. The WBO recommended Holmes to Nelson as a suitable opponent.

"I haven't gotten the written confirmation back from the WBO yet, but it seems like just a formality," Nelson said. "They're the ones who recommended Holmes to us."

The 36-year-old Holmes is 6-feet-4 and weighed in at 222 pounds for his last fight, a second-round knockout of Ryan Thompson (9-7) May 16.

His two draws were six-round bouts against Earl Ladson (12-11) in August 2006 and Mark Doku (4-3) in October 2003.

"I don't know much about him," Minto said of Holmes. "I've never seen him fight. I'm getting a tape of his fight against Stacy Frazier in a couple of days."

Holmes defeated Frazier (14-3) in an eight-round TKO to win the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title in September 2005.

Holmes' other signature win was a second-round knockout of Don Steele (45-5) in January 2005.

"He hasn't fought the caliber of opponents I have, but you can't ignore 27 knockouts in 31 fights," Minto said.

"This is a big guy who packs a punch. He wants me and I want him. It all worked out. This is a bigger step up for him, fighting me, but I can't take him lightly. He's undefeated."

Holmes and Minto have one common opponent in recent years. Minto scored a unanimous decision over Billy Zumbrun in April 2006 while Holmes won a split decision over Zumbrun (21-9-1) in October 2007.

Holmes turned pro in 2003 after more than 100 amateur bouts.

"He's been in boxing for a long time. He knows what he's doing," Minto said.

Minto is changing trainers as well as opponents. His contract with longtime Western Pennsylvania trainer Tommy Yankello expired and Minto recently signed with Freddy Roach.

Roach is based in Los Angeles and trains world light welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. He's trained numerous world champs, including Mike Tyson and James Toney.

"I fulfilled my contract (with Yankello) and there's no bitter feelings there. I'm just moving on," Minto said. "This is an opportunity to work with somebody who may be able to show and teach me a few more things."

Minto is flying to Los Angeles June 29 and will stay with a cousin who lives near there. He will train under Roach for six weeks before returning home for the fight.

"It's going to be strange being away from my family for so long, but I only have one boxing career and I want to do it right," Minto said. "I don't want to look back with any regrets, saying I should have done something a different way."

Nelson announced that Jim Emrick (7-3), a 38-year-old Butler heavyweight who has lost his last two fights, will be in the six-round co-feature. The fight card will feature seven pro bouts.

Tickets are available at the Pullman Park box office during live events and at the Butler County Housing Authority at 114 Woody Drive in Butler. The phone number is 724-287-6797.

Tickets are $25 for general admission, $35 for reserved and $50 for ringside.