Amir Khan is eager to silence those who doubt his knockout power when he comes up against former world title contender Graham Earl on Saturday.
Khan will mark his 21st birthday by taking a huge step up in class as he defends his Commonwealth lightweight title for the second time at the Bolton Arena.
Earl returns to the ring with an 'all or nothing' philosophy after a bruising, heroic defeat by Michael Katsidis in February.
Earl, from Luton, met the Australian at Wembley to contest the WBO interim lightweight title and engaged in a thrilling brawl before being pulled out by his corner in the fifth round.
That was the first stoppage defeat of his career and Khan is relishing the chance to prove himself against an experienced, durable fighter who has held the British, Commonwealth and WBU titles.
"I'm very strong," Khan said.
"I've been sparring guys two or three weights above me and even they are shocked.
"It is a chance to prove it against a fighter (Earl) who can take good shots. He's been hit by world champions, European champions and he's taken the shots and come back from them.
"It's going to be a test for me to show 'look, I have got that power, that strength'."
With the Bolton native having been guided by the steady hand of promoter Frank Warren since turning professional in July 2005, Earl undoubtedly represents by far the toughest opposition Khan has faced so far.
"Yes, definitely," he agreed. "It's the next step up for me in the boxing game.
"Graham has won European titles, the WBU belt, British, Commonwealth titles. So yes, this is the next step up for me and it's going to take me to that next level."
Coming off that vicious defeat early this year, Earl firmly believes that, after a rest and a change of trainer, he is better than ever and prepared to derail the Khan bandwagon.
The 29-year-old - who has never boxed professionally north of Watford - said: "Training's gone very, very well, the best I believe it ever has.
"I've trained for this like no other fight. I've done things that had maybe slipped in the past, that I've not bothered doing, so everything's gone right.
"He will be facing a top Graham Earl.
"There have been no shortcuts, so there will be no excuses."
Looking back on the Katsidis defeat, Earl said: "I've had time to reflect on it now and I live to fight another day and come back.
"The fight with Katsidis has done me more good than harm.
"I had a good rest after it and reflected on what I needed to do to change. If I had thought I couldn't change, I would have packed it in.
"But I still feel there's a lot out there for me to get. I'm in the best shape mentally and physically that I've ever been in."
Chief support for the sold-out card will be Dean Francis' Commonwealth light-heavyweight title defence against Ghanaian Michael Gbenga, with youngsters Don Broadhurst, Anthony Crolla, Tony Bellew and Jamie Cox also in action.
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