Brian Minto's rematch with Vinny Maddalone is off - for the time being.

The Butler heavyweight (19-1) had been scheduled to face Maddalone (23-2) June 10 at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y., as the main event on ESPN2's "Friday Night at the Fights."

Promoters pulled that bout, however, in favor of featuring David Tua, a more recognizable heavyweight nationally.

"It's a little frustrating and I'm disappointed, but that's the boxing game," Minto said. "I've learned to live with it. I've learned to be patient."

Minto knocked Maddalone out in the 10th round during an ESPN2 "Friday Night at the Fights" bout last July in Atlantic City, N.J. He said the Maddalone rematch might be moved to July.

"I'm sure it's going to happen," he said. "It's just a question of when. They (promoters) are talking July."

In the meantime, Minto will be the main event on a June 16 pro boxing card at the Butler Days Inn. His probable opponent in the eight-round bout is Jermell Barnes (17-8, 4 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y.

Normally a cruiserweight, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Barnes would move up to heavyweight for this fight.

"We sent him the contract and we're waiting to hear back," promoter Mike Acri said. "We're thinking he'll feel pretty comfortable about taking it, but you never know."

The web-site Boxrec.com shows that Barnes, 30, has dropped five of his last six bouts and is ranked No. 87 in the world in the cruiserweight division.

"He's a durable guy who's only been knocked out once," Minto said. "(Former Butler pro boxer) Mike McGrady's gone the distance with him a couple of times.

"I don't care about the guy's record. I won't take anything for granted."

Minto does anticipate this being his final fight in Butler. His last fight at the Days Inn sold out.

"I like fighting at home," he said. "You can build a bigger fan base that way and it gives people who want to see me fight a chance to do it.

"At the same time, I feel like I'm two fights away from where I want to be - this fight and a knockout of Maddalone within five rounds."

Minto has been following Maddalone's career since he fought him.

"He's gotten worse. He switched trainers recently and he's not as good as he was the night we fought," Minto said. "I know I've gotten a lot better. I got hit around a lot last time I fought him. That won't happen again.

"The promoters still want this fight. They still want it on national television. … They just want to build it up some more.

"I can wait. I only had two weeks in the California (Pa.) boxing camp before my last fight and I've been there for the past four weeks. I feel sharper than ever," he added.

Minto is seeking his 20th professional win when he faces Barnes, assuming the latter accepts the fight.

"This would be the toughest opponent Brian Minto's ever had," Acri said. "Barnes has fought some tough guys. He recently beat Robert Daniels, who was 38-5.

"This guy's better than (David) Polk, I'll tell you that."

Minto won a unanimous decision over Polk (9-3) at the Butler Days Inn in March. He has not fought since.

While Minto turned 30 in January, he insists he has plenty of years left in the ring.

"I'm one of the younger guys in my division with a strong record," he said. "Everyone else is 33 or 34.

"Being able to defend yourself is the key to longevity in this sport and that's where I've improved the most. I'm planning on being around for a while."

Ticket information for the June 16 fight card has yet to be released.