Brian Minto was ready to fight Friday night in Atlantic City. All he needed was an opponent.

The Butler heavyweight never got one.

Minto's scheduled eight-round professional fight with Andy Sample (32-12-2, 22 KO's) was canceled late Friday afternoon when Sample failed his medical exam.

"His blood work came back bad. That's all we know," said Tom Yankello, Minto's trainer. "They didn't release any other details."

Minto (23-1, 14 KOs) arrived in Atlantic City, N.J., Wednesday for the fight after three weeks of intensive training. He had been sparring with unbeaten Calvin Brock, who is ranked No. 3 in the heavyweight division.

"I was ready to go," Minto said. "This is disappointing. But I guess it's better to find out there's something wrong now before we start fighting and his blood gets all over me or something.

"Hopefully, it's nothing serious."

Minto and Sample were given physicals earlier Friday.

Yankello said he was informed the fight was off about an hour before Minto was due to arrive at the Tropicana Casino, site of Friday night's pay-per-view card that involved three title fights.

Minto turned 31 Friday.

"I'm not sure what's next for me now," Minto said in regard to his next opponent. "I've got a meeting with (promoter) Dino Duva next week to find out."