Alexander vs Purdy: Lee Purdy promises to go 12 hard on Saturday

Lee Purdy is a big-time underdog on Saturday when he challenges Devon Alexander for the IBF welterweight title in Atlantic City, but the 25-year-old Brit says he's not coming just to say he's been in a world title fight.

"I'm excited for the fight, I'm ready, it's at late notice but I'm in good shape and I'll be dangerous for 12 rounds. We've got 12 three-minute rounds and it comes to more than just skills in the pro ring.

"You need heart, you need power, you need durability to get through a long 12-round fight and I believe I've got all of that in abundance.

"I'm ready to fight for as long as it takes. I haven't come all this way to America to let the fans down. I've come here to fight and I'm going to find a way to win."

Purdy (20-3-1, 13 KO) was the highest-ranked challenger in the IBF ratings who was available and willing to take the fight (Kevin Bizier turned it down), and his being promoted by Matchroom, who had intended to send Kell Brook over for the fight, certainly didn't hurt.

It would be a major upset, though, if Purdy were able to pull this off. Conventional wisdom says that Alexander (24-1, 13 KO) will be too fast and too classy, but if there's one thing Purdy can do, it's bring pressure. He's not afraid to let his punches fly and Alexander can get a little gun-shy at times, and thrown off his game.

Does Purdy have a shot on Saturday?