By Rafael Soto

Culiacan, Sinaloa - Convinced that this will be the most important battle of his career, he came to Culiacan with a winning mentality. Billy Lyell came to the land of Julio César Chávez J., with whom he will face this Saturday at a function that has captured the attention of the boxing fans.

Lyell (28-8, 4 KOs) will lead this mega boxing evening to be held in the stadium Banorte, the home of the Dorados de Culiacan, Estadio Banorte, which will be televised on TV Azteca (the home of boxing in Mexico) and FOX SPORTS, and promoted by Zanfer and Top Rank.

The American boxing, a native of Ohio, knows that fighting in the backyard of Chavez will not be easy because of the support the local fans will provide to Julio (41-0-1 with 30 knockouts), but he is confident of having his fist raised because it's the opportunity of a lifetime.

"I am aware that the entire audience that night will be in his favor, supporting him, but I came mentally prepared. I know in the ring it's going to be just him and me. The people will do their part, but I'll do mine. You can be assured that I shall put everything on the line, and I will win," he said.

And concluded: "I will ruin the party for Chavez."

Lyell, whose biggest win of his career was erased the unbeaten record of John Duddy, who Chavez also beat in his last outing.

"Maybe it was different circumstances, but when I confronted him Duddy had more of a hunger to win, and I still dominated," he said. "I know that I could open the door for the best fights, and above all, big purses. However, my mind is focused now on this challenge. Julio is my main goal right now, and I will win."