Tim Tszyu is promising to tear up the script as American underdog Brian Mendoza strives to complete his "own real-life Rocky story" in their world-title blockbuster on the Gold Coast.
After being down and out just two years ago following two devastating defeats in three fights, Mendoza (22-2, 16KOs) has given up his interim WBC super-welterweight strap to travel across the globe in pursuit of Tszyu's WBO belt.
A pair of thunderous upset knockout wins over Jeison Rosario and Sebastian Fundora have the 29-year-old from Albuquerque in New Mexico believing he can shatter Tszyu's undefeated record with his own "Breaking Bad" scene on Sunday.
"What can I say, I've made my own real-life Rocky story," Mendoza said on Friday.
"I didn't mean to start it that way when I started my career. But you have your ups and downs in life and this is what it is.
"I've clawed my way back from obscurity and I'm chasing greatness. I want the belt.
"This changes my life, this changes my family's life for generations to come, the opportunities I'll have moving forward, so this literally means everything.
"This is all or nothing. I'm putting it all on the line."
So too is Tszyu (23-0, 17KOs).
A loss in his first fight since being promoted to full world champion after six months as interim divisional king would cruel his bid to join his legendary father Kostya as a unified champ.
"Pressure builds diamonds. Nothing good comes without pressure. I embrace it, I enjoy it and I thrive on it," Tszyu said.
"I'm zoned in, just a killer mentality. He doesn't know what storm's coming.
"I'm 23 and 0 for a reason. No-one's figured out the puzzle. Twenty three (wins) - numbers don't lie."
The mild-mannered Mendoza has spent the past week since arriving in Australia "soaking up love" from fans.
Tszyu, though, reminded the challenger he was firmly in enemy territory once inside the ring.
"There's no like, there's no love," he said.
"And that's what happens to each one of my opponents who I face. Every little thing frustrates me about them.
"And I've just got one thing on my mind and that's victory by any means.
"I'm just here to win every round. If the KO comes, I'll sniper it out.
"I said before, this is my land and I'm here to defend it. He's coming to take it and I'm here to defend it."
Asked what message he planned to send the rest of his rivals in the division on Sunday, Tszyu said: "They're gonna run".
