Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez took the same approach to the final pre-fight press conference as he does in the ring.

The red-hot knockout artist from Mexico City cut to the chase from the moment he was introduced to the rabid crowd on hand for Thursday’s media session in Cancun. Hernandez and reigning WBC junior lightweight titlist O’Shaquie Foster have quickly evolved into bitter rivals this week, to where the underdog challenger guaranteed victory.

“On Saturday, you are going to see a new World champion, and that will be me,” vowed Hernandez. “I’m bringing the war on Saturday, and I hope he is ready for it because I am taking that title home. I’m going to show the world exactly who Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez is.”

Foster-Hernandez will headline a DAZN show this Saturday from Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancun, Mexico.

The fight isn’t exactly around the corner for Hernandez (34-1, 31KOs), though it is in his home country and much closer to home than is the case for Foster. The visiting titleholder from the greater Houston (Texas) area has won his last eleven starts.

Included among the lot is a twelve-round, points win over undefeated WBC featherweight titlist Rey Vargas this past February in San Antonio, Texas.

Hernandez has not quite evolved to that level. His competition has been middle of the pack since his upset July 2019 first-round knockout loss to Ronny Rios, though all six bouts post-career defeat have ended inside the distance. Hernandez last fought in a third-round knockout of countryman Hector Garcia on July 7 in Monterrey.

The fight came at a time when he could have advanced straight to a title opportunity versus Foster. His team has downplayed that angle and insisted their willingness and availability the moment his arm was raised that July evening.

“I don’t know why he is saying I was scared to fight him,” questioned Hernandez. “I’m not scared of anyone, and it is his fault that the fight went to purse bids.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox