Intrepid upset Wilson’s big order for the world title

Liam Wilson has literally stared down two-time world champion and frenzied favorite Emanuel Navarrete and confidently declared he will be the first man to beat the Mexican in more than 10 years.

The pair went head-to-head in their first meeting Wednesday ahead of Friday night’s WBO super featherweight world title fight (AEDT Saturday) in Phoenix.

Navarrete has little chance of becoming the 10th Mexican to go unbeaten in 31 fights since 2012 and be champions in three divisions.

Two days later he looked like the favourite; He sits coolly at the center of a lineup of boxers that includes Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, who will fight on the undercard.

But it was unremarkable Brisbane talent with just 12 pro fights, Wilson, who turned heads as he topped his smaller rival at Desert Diamond Arena.

“I saw a smaller man in front of me,” Wilson told reporters after his duel with Navarrete, who is six centimeters shorter than the Australian at 170cm.

“Throughout his career he’s fought smaller guys than him and for the first time he’s going to be promoted to a division that’s going to be too difficult a leap.

“I don’t want to believe in (Navarrete’s record); when you start believing it, you start questioning things, or (wondering) if you should be here.

“I want to ruin his plans … if anything, he has the bigger question.”

Wilson has a reputation for being a nervous public speaker, but surprised himself with a speech in which he said “the confidence came out of me because it feels like everything was just meant to happen”.

“I have a tough fight ahead of me. Navarrete is a great champion,” said the 26-year-old on stage.

“But I worked my ass off; I intend to give him the fight of his life. I love it and I will win.”

The pair have battled at weights more than 10kg apart during their careers, a story that gives hope to the Australians despite Navarrete’s incredible record.

But the Mexican, who has been in the ring since he was seven, insists he can handle Wilson’s size and well-documented punching power.

“I did things that were tougher,” the 28-year-old said through an interpreter.

“I noticed he’s taller but we worked really well, there’s nothing to worry about.

“I know boxers who hit hard, it’s normal for me.

“100 percent (Wilson can win); if I say no, I would be overconfident. He is very confident and can be very dangerous.”