Anthony Crolla has acknowledged he faces an immediate test of his world champion credentials when he defends his WBA lightweight title against Ismael Barroso in Manchester on Saturday.
Crolla claimed the crown with an emotional stoppage win over Darleys Perez in November but insists he will be the underdog going into his fight against the big-punching Venezuelan.
Perez blew away Briton Kevin Mitchell in December and comes into the fight with an unbeaten 21-fight record, including two early career draws.
Crolla said: " There was no way I was going to swerve Barroso. I'll fight anyone and I wasn't about to duck my mandatory, no matter how dangerous.
"He's been swerved and avoided, but when you are the champion it's your responsibility to fight the best opponents out there and he fits the bill.
"Barroso showed against Kevin that he was more than just a raw, wild, big puncher. He showed he had ability and a boxing brain.
"I've been the underdog a lot in my career and it's worked well for me. It's not often the world champion is the underdog when he defends a title, but here we are. I've proved people wrong and I will keep doing it."
Source: PA
