Audley Harrison is convinced he can still win a world title as he prepares to step into the ring once again - but faces a tough task against unbeaten 6ft 7in giant Deontay Wilder on Saturday.
The 41-year-old British heavyweight was widely written off after suffering the latest setback in a frustrating career with defeat to David Price last October.
It was Harrison's sixth loss since turning professional after winning Olympic gold in 2000 but he has not lost any of his ambition.
Reinvigorated by success in the recent Prizefighter competition, Harrison takes on hard-hitting American Wilder in Sheffield this weekend.
Harrison said: 'I knew after Prizefighter I was going to get opportunities. I was so good in that, I created a stir.
'I said I was looking for someone in the top 10 and so I couldn't ask for anyone better than America's next big thing.
'There is everything to fight for. He is going to be an interesting puzzle for me to figure out, he brings a lot to the table.
'I have to find a way to get through that power, he has a big right hand.
'Beating him would put me back in the top 10, eligible to fight for world titles, which is my goal.
'After David Price people thought they wouldn't see me again, but setbacks pave the way for comebacks.
'I am still living my dream and focused on my goal of becoming world champion.
'I set a goal to be world champion and quite a few times I have fallen, but each time I have got up.
'I lost to Danny Williams and almost killed him in the rematch. Michael Sprott, I boxed him with one arm in the rematch. I beat him up every round.
'I have avenged my losses and am continually improving.
'At 41, I am a complete fighter, very rounded and I am ready to go.'
The bout, arranged just five weeks ago, takes place at the Motorpoint Arena on the undercard to Amir Khan's headline fight with Julio Diaz.
The challenge in front of the Londoner is a tough one with 27-year-old Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, having won all 27 of his fights by knockout.
Wilder said: 'I am trying to get to the top and he is trying to fight for a world title, but there can only be one.'I have worked too hard to get where I am - I think his time has come and gone.
'There is a new, younger lion on board and his name is Deontay 'The Bronze Bomber' Wilder.
'I am looking for a chance and he is blocking my space now.
'He is blocking my path of becoming the next heavyweight champion of the world.
'But I am not going to underestimate him or take him lightly. People say he is old but that doesn't mean anything.'
Source: DSG
