THE Mexican who hopes to dethrone Belfast’s IBF ring king Carl Frampton in El Paso this Saturday says he can handle the step up in class and anything the Champion can throw at him.

Alejandro Gonzalez Jr was somewhat of a surprise choice to challenge ‘The Jackal’ as he makes his American debut live on CBS, Showtime and ITV in Texas and is deemed by some as an easy stop gap between big fights with the likes of Santa Cruz, Abner Marez, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Scott Quigg.

The son of a former World champion understands he is somewhat fortunate to a shot at the super bantamweight title at this stage of his career, but is determined to make the best of the opportunity.

Gonzalez says he doesn’t fear the undefeated Cyclone Promotions puncher and is ready to ruin the former Senior Champions American unavailing.

“I have a big chance, a great opportunity. I am going to take advantage of it,” said the challenger

“For this fight we worked differently in training camp than all my other camps. I worked more on my defense, my attack and counter punches. Everything about this camp is different and focused solely on Frampton.

“It’s Frampton’s first time coming to the United States and he wants to be a superstar. But, in order to become a superstar he must first get by me.

“I know that he’s a great fighter with a lot of experience and a hard-hitting punch, but nothing that I can’t handle.

“I’m not going to be afraid of anyone. Even though this will be the biggest fight of my career. I won’t be nervous.

“Ever since my lone loss to [Juan Alberto] Rosas last year, I gained a lot of experience. I think I am ready for this test.

“He’s looking at me as the fighter who lost to Rosas, but I’m a different fighter now.”