By Ryan Songalia

It's "elementary" to understand why some believe the audacious matchmaking of British lightweight prospect John Watson Jr. may be too much, too soon.

Watson has yet to see the fifth round in his two years as a professional boxer. His only opponent to date with a winning record has been Geoffrey Munika, whose ledger was three fights above the .500 mark.

Yet on Saturday, without ever having competed in a scheduled eight-rounder, 25-year-old Watson will face 15-1-1 (7 KO) Martin Gethin in a ten-round BBBofC lightweight title eliminator at the Echo Arena in Watson's hometown of Liverpool on a show promoted by Hayemaker Promotions.

The winner will become the mandatory to unbeaten Brit John Murray for the commonwealth championship.

Gethin, of Walsall, West Midlands, has seen his pro career defined in the last year, beginning with his knockout of unbeaten prospect Nadeem Siddique. He followed that up by stopping another undefeated prospect in John Fewkes two months later. Then in December, Gethin's own winning streak came to an end when he was stopped by Scott Lawton in nine rounds due to a cut.

"He’s a good lad but he’s not really been pushed yet," said Gethin, 25, in a statement released to the press. "I’m surprised they’ve taken this fight so early in his career. They must have a lot of faith in him as it’s a big step up."

"I believe I am good enough to make this step up so early on in my career," says Watson, 9-0 (4 KO). "I'm in great physical condition, and mentally prepared.

"Experience does count for a lot sometimes, but when you're boxing the same opponents over and over, how can you learn anything? I've beaten people he has in better style. The big difference in this fight is ability and tactics."

The common opponents that Watson was referring to include Ali Wyatt, whom both fought last year. Gethin won an eight-round decision over Wyatt, while Watson stopped him in four. Watson was able to stop Darren Broomhall in the first in 2008 while Gethin halted him in three. Both hold decision wins over Baz Carey and Jason Nesbitt.

Watson's experience lies primarily in the amateurs, where he compiled a record of 64-14, including a senior ABA title in the light-welterweight division in 2004. That year Watson was selected as Amir Khan's chief sparring partner to prep him for the Athens Olympic Games, an honor he says instilled a great deal of confidence in him once he made the leap to the pros.

Watson's manager David Coldwell isn't concerned about Watson being in over his head. He says he has seen enough progress in the two fights since Watson joined David Haye's promotional outfit to justify this ascent in competition.

"The Munika fight was a step up for him and he blew him away," says Coldwell, who doubles as Hayemaker Promotions' Head of Boxing. "That guy had been in with everyone including Justin Juuko.

"John rises to the level of his opponents. I've watched him spar, I've seen what he is capable of and I believe he will answer everything that Gethin asks of him. It's a great learning fight."

One advantage that Watson holds is that there isn't much tape available on his pro fights. Watson is 5'10" - four inches taller than his opponent. Gethin said in a recent press release that he has yet to see Watson in action but has a preconceived notion of his style.

"I picture him as one of those long-range, hit-and-move boxers who uses his reach a lot."

To the contrary, Watson is more of an aggressive banger who prefers to work the body and use the uppercut. Still, Watson says he intends to use his superior range at times to his advantage.

His opponent's rib cage isn't the only thing he lights up - he is also a certified electrician.

Should Watson come out the victor, he will be staring down a showdown wit Murray, who holds an imposing record of 26-0 (14 KO). Coldwell says that the Gethin fight is excellent preparation for a Murray clash, who like Gethin is a pressure fighter that excels at short range.

"He has the exact same style," Coldwell says of Gethin. "Not quite as good, though."

Still, a win for Watson won't mean an immediate commonwealth title challenge, says Coldwell. He says the timetable - depending on how well he does with Gethin - is 12 months.

"He's in deep in this fight, I know that. But I believe in him and think he will pull off what a lot of people will see as a shock."

Ryan Songalia is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at songaliaboxing@aol.com