Junior lightweight contender Thomas Mattice saluted Raymond Ford for accepting his challenge ahead of their fight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Saturday.

“We take a lot of calls, and a lot of people never take the challenge,” Cleveland's Mattice, 22-4-1 (17 KOs), said at today’s final press conference. “The pressure’s on him. I’ve got everything to gain, he’s got everything to lose. I came here to get the job done. I never fought for no check my whole career, and every time they call, it’s ‘yes’ to whoever they say. Before that, they called me for Shakur [Stevenson] and I said yes. I’m ready to go out there and put on a show.”

Of his opponent, former WBA titleholder Ford, Mattice said: “Ray’s nice. I can’t take anything away from him. No bad blood or anything like that. Ray’s a great fighter, I’m a great fighter. The fans are going to win with this one. … I appreciate the opportunity, and we’re here to capitalize on that.”

Ford, 16-1-1 (8 KOs), from Camden, New Jersey, denied that the expectation weighed heavily on him.

“Ain’t no pressure. I do this – it’s what I do,” he said. “Unfortunately for him, he’s outgunned and I’m gonna show that. It is what it is. He signed a contract. He signed up for it. … It’s the boxing business.”

Ford also felt he might steal the show on Saturday. 

“I’m always gonna try and make a statement,” said Ford, who was in a Fight of the Year with Otabek Kholmatov last year. “[I’ve been] trying to get these world champions to fight me. Hopefully, after this fight, we can get one.”

Elsewhere on the bill, New York-based Uzbek Shakram Giaysov, 16-0 (9 KOs), will meet Franco Ocampo in a welterweight eliminator.

“I’m always ready. I’m happy for my fight,” said Giyasov. “One step, I’m going to my goal of being a world champion. Step by step, I’m coming for my goal. I’m here to be world champion. It doesn’t matter who is my open, I’m going to my goal.

California-based Argentine Franco Ocampo, 17-2 (8 KOs), said: “We’re coming out to win, and more than anything, we’re here to show that Argentinean’s have balls.”

There’s also another outing for Florida star Omari Jones, who will make his second pro fight since turning over after an amateur career that culminated at the Paris Olympics.

Jones, aiming to go 2-0 with a win over Cincinnati’s 13-5-2 (5 KOS) William Jackson, said: “I’m ready, especially coming off my debut in Orlando. I was built for moments like this and I’m ready to put on another performance in Atlantic City. Every time out, that’s what me and my team – we establish with you guys – and we want to stay busy.”

Jackson offered little and said his talking would be done with the gloves on.

“He’s in for a handful,” said Jackson. “I don’t have much to say. I’m just ready to show my talent.”