IBF light-heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud is expecting a "hell of a fight" when he takes on Jean Pascal in August.
IBF champion relishing showdown with Pascal
IBF light-heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud is expecting a "hell of a fight" when he takes on former WBC titleholder Jean Pascal in Montreal in August.
Cloud, who boasts 24-0 with 19 KOs, secured the IBF title in 2009 and refuses to see the August 11 showdown as a route to "bigger and better things".
Pascal's last two fights were disappointing as he drew with and was then beaten on points by 'The Executioner' Bernard Hopkins. The challenger's only other career defeat was at the hands of Nottingham's Carl Froch at super-middleweight in 2008.
Gatekeeper
The 29-year-old Cloud said: "When I think about this fight, wow. Pascal's style and my style are perfect for each other. It will be a hell of a fight. Nevertheless, I'm coming away with my title still intact.
"Pascal could think he is the gatekeeper to bigger and better things for me, but I just come in and fight my fight. I'm putting in a lot of hard work for this fight."
Montreal hometown favourite Pascal said: "The reason why I took this fight is simple. You want to see the best versus the best.
"He is current world champion but unfortunately for him, he is going to leave as the former world champion and I am going to be a two-time champion. This fight will not go the distance."
