Josh Taylor is heading into his 140lbs world title defence against Teofimo Lopez in a confident manner.
The Scottish fighter had been expected to rematch Jack Catterall at some point in 2023 following their controversial meeting last year, but Taylor will instead head to New York City next month to defend his WBO title against Lopez.
A few years ago, this fight would've taken on a different meaning with Lopez undoubtedly the world’s best lightweight following his brilliant win against Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Taylor was also riding high after his victory over Regis Prograis, but now it appears that both men are fighting with something to prove following recent average displays.
Lopez was sensationally upset by George Kambosos at the end of 2021 and his recent successes to rebuild his confidence seem to suggest he’s still some way off the elite level he once occupied.
Taylor was criticised for his performance against Catterall, but the Edinburgh man is ready to bounce back and he’s promising an early finish on June 10.
"It's got the potential to be an absolute firecracker, fireworks from the very get-go,” said Taylor when speaking to BBC Sport.
“One of us will get caught and I don't see us seeing the final bell if that's the case, I can see him going on his back. He has a lot of flaws and makes a lot of mistakes. I can see me knocking him out early."