Amir Khan is boxing tonight against Steve Williams, here's what Williams has to say about his big chance.
Amir Khan could find out just what lies in store for him at light-welterweight when he steps into the ring at the Liverpool Olympia tonight.
The Olympic silver medallist takes on Steve Williams in the North West Counties Amateur Boxing Association Championships final with a place in the last eight of the national championships up for grabs.
But he has been told to expect a power-packed onslaught from his opponent in what will be only his third fight since making the step up to 64kg.
Khan fought at lightweight in Athens last summer when he became British boxing's hottest property with a run all the way to the final before being beaten by Cuban sensation Mario Kindelan.
Since then, however, he has opted to step up a weight division on the domestic scene and ahead of their meeting, Avalon club fighter Williams claimed that could prove a mistake.
"It is a massive change stepping up a weight," said the 20-year-old Merseysider.
"I spar with welterweights and the difference between them and light-welterweights is a pretty big one.
"The opponents (at 64kg) will be far more powerful and far stronger than Amir is used to.
"He is fast and he has got great footwork but I think I am stronger than him.
"I have been working on a few things and hopefully they will pay off."
That warning is likely to be taken seriously by the Khan camp.
The 18-year-old will continue to fight at lightweight when on international duty, but he was given a taste of just how big a step up in class he faces domestically when he made a less-than-impressive debut in the East Lancashire and Cheshire regionals just under two weeks ago.
He was sent sprawling to the canvas by a wicked left hook from Manchester's Craig Watson in his first bout before coming through 21-9.
And in his second fight he was left with a blooded nose by talented Salford puncher Liam Dorian - despite ultimately claiming a comfortable 23-4 win.
Williams acknowledges that may simply have been a bad night at the office for the teenager, who has turned down a string of professional offers to chase gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
But he insists he will be ready to capitalise on any weakness should Khan fail to deliver again.
"This is probably the best chance I am going to get to beat him," Williams added. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"I don't think he is as prepared for this event as he could have been - and I think that is part of the reason he has chosen to step up a weight.
"He says he wants to test himself, but I think that with all the attention he's been getting maybe he has taken his foot off the pedal a little bit.
"I will need to box at my best to have a chance, but I'm hoping I can put on a good show."
