William Zepeda regards Mercito Gesta as an opponent he needs to beat to move onto bigger fights.
The pair fight on Saturday evening live on DAZN, and a win for either fighter could position them handily in the lightweight division.
The former undisputed lightweight champion, Devin Haney, is set to step up to 140lbs to face Regis Prograis for the WBC super lightweight strap, giving up the WBC lightweight belt in the process.
Many expect Haney will then leave the lightweight division for good, freeing up the remaining three major belts at the weight.
Ahead of the fight, Zepeda told BoxingScene.com that victory over Gesta moves him into contention for higher-profile bouts.
“Mercito Gesta brings a lot of experience into the ring. These are the challenges I need to conquer as I climb the ranks,” Zepeda explained.
Discussing his rival, Zepeda does not appear complacent, noting: “He’s a very talented fighter and he’s a southpaw.
“My goal is to prove to the boxing world that we are ready for the top challenges. We are right at the doorstep of fighting for a world title and he presents the type of challenge that I want to conquer at this point of my career.”