/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13239603/011purdywrapshandsimg_0470.0.jpg)
Short-notice opponent Lee Purdy has the biggest opportunity of his career on Saturday night, as the British domestic contender has been drafted in to challenge Devon Alexander for the IBF welterweight title.
Alexander (24-1, 13 KO) is obviously the heavy favorite, but Purdy (20-3-1, 13 KO) is speaking confidently about the matchup, and says there's nothing about Alexander's style that impresses him.
"I've watched a lot of his fights since we got the fight and he's not looked great recently," said Purdy. "He's been holding a lot in recent fights which is why I mentioned that. His style doesn't impress me which is why I don't watch him. I think I can land big shots on him and make him fight my fight, and if I connect cleanly on him there's only one place he's going to go and that's to the canvas. He says he wants to fight the biggest names in the game, no-one here has heard of me so he has to look good against me and he's not going to if he's just going to hold.
"I want him to have a clean fight. I don't want to just hold, get through and nick fights on points, I'm here to entertain and please the fans because that's what they pay their money to see."
"I fought in March and was back in the gym ticking over so I am absolutely ready for this. My punching power is underestimated, I'm tough and durable and I'm out here to win, I'm not here to make the numbers up. If he underestimates me it's a big mistake and it will be all over for him. Tune in, it's going to be a great fight and an explosive performance."
The 25-year-old Purdy has won four straight since dropping a decision to Colin Lynes in 2011, which cost him the British welterweight strap. But there's hardly any comparing Adnan Amar, Chris Johnson, Gumersindo Carrasco, and Cosme Rivera to Alexander, who may not be a tip-top elite fighter, but is a two-weight world titlist, a serious player at 147, and the guy who's been in with the much stiffer competition.
It's an uphill battle for Purdy, but he sounds as if he's coming to shock the world and take home the IBF belt.