Berchelt (28-1, 25 KOs) and Jupp (13-2, 4 KOs) fight for the interim super featherweight world title with the WBO over 12 rounds in what will be a headliner this weekend.
The Puerto Rican, Roman “Rocky” Martinez is the full champion and was due to meet Bechelt, but one week before the fight he canceled his trip to Merida citing an injury to his left hand.
The promoter immediately looked for a replacement and Jupp was available within the top ten as endorsed by the WBO.
Accompanied by his manager and trainer, Jupp said he is 100 percent, even though he accepted the fight with a week in advance, as he was prepared for another major fight in his own country.
Speaking to the Mexican press that greeted him at the airport, the sixth-ranked WBO contender recognized that it is natural for him to be the underdog.
“I don’t come here to lose. I came to Merida, Yucatan in Mexico to win, I do not care about being the underdog, and with all due respect, nobody here knows me. On Saturday in the ring, people will know,” said Jupp.
The London-born fighter continued: “I have traveled more than 15 hours from my home just to get in the ring. We will see what happens, but I come to win in a country that is a world power in boxing. Mexico has some of the best boxers the world and it this fight is one I want to win in order to have a big name on my record and be crowned champion of the world in the future.”
On Berchelt, Jupp added: “He’s a very good boxer (Berchelt), I can not deny, but I know what I have, I know that is a very strong guy, with a very solid punch, but my preparation and my ability will make it a good fight and win for me. All the Mexican fans who will pay to see us will be entertained. “
