Joe Joyce vowed to knock Filip Hrgovic out as the latter suggested his opponent is slower than "a fog" at a lively press conference ahead of their headline bout live on DAZN.
The pair top the bill at Heavy Impact this weekend, the first card in a partnership between Queensberry Promotions and the global broadcaster, at Manchester's Co-op Live.
Both men are looking to return to winning ways, with Joyce seeking to arrest a streak of three losses in four fights and Hrgovic out to avenge his lone professional loss so far.
Speaking at Thursday's penultimate media event, before the public weigh-in on Friday, both men set out their stall for victory in a fight that will have major reprecussions.
"It's a good fight, good entertainment and I expect a great performance," Joyce said. "We had a good scrap twelve years ago. The same result is going to happen.
"I'm going to win, and then get elevated back up to the top of the sport. I'm fought him before, so I know what to expect. I look forward to knocking him out on Saturday night."
Hrgovic meanwhile suggested his opponent would be too slow to land a decisive blow on him, suggesting that his performance would be akin to indifferent weather instead.
"He's slow like a fog," he added. "[His] next nickname could be Joe 'Fog' Joyce. He's very slow. I don't know how he's going to knock me out, but we'll see on Saturday.
"He's definitely not at the peak of his career. He's getting older. That's just the reality. I'm seven years younger. I think it's going to play a role in this fight.
"He's a good fighter, a brave man. I had a lot of preparation before, a lot of hard work. I think I'm in good shape. I'm ready to go. If ten rounds is what it be, I'll go ten rounds."
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