It wasn't that long ago that Jeff Horn was in a similar position to Michael Zerafa.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The unheralded underdog waiting to grab the opportunity for a career-changing win.
That's why former world champion Horn knows he's in for a tough night when the pair fight at Bendigo Stadium on August 31.
Horn and Zerafa were in Bendigo on Friday to officially launch the Battle of Bendigo.
Zerafa wasted little time in declaring that he'd win by knockout, while Horn took a more measured approach as he prepares for his first fight since barely raising a sweat in a first round KO of Anthony Mundine last December.
"I hand picked Michael because he's the best there is in this weight range in Australia,'' Horn said.
"I need a challenge, so that I train hard and focus on the fight. I didn't want to pick an easy fight.
"I'm not underestimating Michael... I know he's going to be hard and that's what I want.
"I can't get myself up for a fight that I believe I'm easily going to win.
"Michael is going to be a challenge and he keeps saying he's coming to knock me out... which is fair enough and good on him.
"I'm hoping to ruin his plans."
Zerafa is no slouch.
He has only tasted defeat once in his past 10 starts - a points decision against former world champion Kell Brook in England last December.
An upset victory over Horn would put him one step closer to a world title fight.
"Boxing is all about opportunity and timing and I really believe this is my time,'' Zerafa said.
"Style wise I think I've got him covered. I'm taller, I've got more reach and I'm more agile.
"They've overlooked me, they don't think I can punch. On August 31 I'll show that I can and I believe he'll fall and I'll take the KO win.
"I'm 27 and had 30 professional fights. I've fought the best in the world and beaten the best in my country and the only one that was left was Jeff Horn.
"Now that the fight is here I will deliver."
After defeating Manny Pacquiao to win his world title in the welterweight division, Horn has stpped up to the middleweight division (maximum 72.5kg) and that's where he wants his next world title bout.
"I felt so strong when I was fighting at 71kg against Mundine which is is why it went only as short as it did,'' Horn said.
"Once those punches land they are hard. The power is there and I have the timing right at the moment.
"Maybe I haven't fought for a year, but maybe that's where I fight best where I don't for a while then I fight these big fights.
"I do want another world title shot, they are the big fights out there, they're the massive fights, they're the ones you want.
"I want to get it at middleweight and this fight is now at 72.5kg. I'm going to have that extra power once again at this weight.
"He (Zerafa) is a risky fight to take at this point. I know how good he is, I've seen it. It's a challenge I'm willing to accept."
Tickets for the Battle of Bendigo are on sale via Ticketek.
The undercard will be announced in the next two weeks, with former Carlton and Eaglehawk footballer Damien Lock expected to be one of the headline acts for local fans.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
