Monday 4 June 2018 17:35, UK
Luke Watkins admits he is days away from an explosive duel with Lawrence Okolie and the Commonwealth champion intends to strike first with a knockout blow.
'The Duke' makes the second defence of his Commonwealth title against fellow unbeaten cruiserweight Okolie at the top of this Wednesday's JD NXTGEN bill at York Hall, live on Sky Sports.
With six knockouts in eight fights, Okolie is considered a dangerous puncher, but Watkins has stopped nine of his 13 opponents and believes he can halt the Hackney man if he lands first.
If I connect with him, I can stop him, and I'm sure if he connects with me, he can stop me.
"I've got power, he's got power, and at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how hard his power is, in comparison to mine," said the 28-year-old Swindon fighter.
"We both have the power to stop people, so when we're in the ring, it's about who connects.
"If I connect with him, I can stop him, and I'm sure if he connects with me, he can stop me, but that's the beauty of boxing and we're going to see what happens on Wednesday."
Okolie is a former Team GB fighter, who is guided by Anthony Joshua's management company, but Watkins wants to cast the spotlight on his own career by dishing out a first defeat to the 25-year-old.
Watkins said: "How does a man go from small hall shows to get to the larger halls? He has to fight the guys that have the big stage, and Lawrence's amateur pedigree, and the backing he gets from Joshua, puts him at the forefront of exposure when it comes to our division.
"He is the top man in regards to - you need to go through Lawrence if you want to make some noise.
"As a champion, Lawrence is hungry and I'm sure he wants to be the Commonwealth champion, but I want what he has, in respect that I want to be on the big stage.
"I believe there is enough for everyone and I believe I beat Lawrence, so I'm here."
Watch Lawrence Okolie against Luke Watkins, along with a packed JD NXTGEN bill featuring Reece Bellotti, Ted Cheeseman, Daniyar Yeleussinov and more at York Hall on Wednesday from 7pm on Sky Sports Action.
