By Jake Donovan

For a man heading to the proverbial lion’s den for the first time in his career, heavyweight hopeful Christian Hammer is brimming with confidence heading into his February 28 showdown with Tyson Fury. The two collide at the O2 Arena in London, marking first fight outside of Germany—where he currently resides—or his birth country of Romania.

“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m ready to fight,” Hammer (17-3, 10KOs) insists. “I’m really focused and in the best shape of my life. I’ve been waiting for a fight like this for a long time.”

The 27-year old has won 10 straight fights following a rough patch that saw back-to-back losses to close out 2010. His last fight was his most impressive win to date, scoring a 12-round shutout over previously unbeaten Irineu Beato Costa Junior last Halloween.

Likewise, Fury (23-0, 17KOs) is also coming off one of the best performances of his career, having stopped Dereck Chisora after 10 rounds in their rematch last November. The stoppage win made it three straight inside the distance for the brash Brit, who is once again predicting knockout for his next ring appearance.

The claim was hardly boastful—at least by Fury’s standards. Still, Hammer was well within earshot when the comment was made, and—even through a language barrier—doesn’t care to hear his opponent make such guarantees.

“I hope Tyson doesn’t get scared the day of the fight,” Hammer says, perhaps a reference to Fury’s abruptly withdrawing from a July 26 fight with Alexander Ustinov, who stepped in as a very late sub when Chisora suffered an injury prior to the originally scheduled rematch. Ustinov was ready to go, but Fury removed himself from the show as well, citing family issues.

Whatever the case, Hammer isn’t a big fan of Fury’s mouth and looks forward to fight night for the chance to once and for all silence the outspoken heavyweight contender.

“He shouldn’t talk too much. He should just be ready to fight on the 28th,” Hammer suggests.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox