Ben Whittaker out to deliver a Brooklyn 'beat down' on Saturday night

Black Country boxing star Ben Whittaker has promised to deliver a “beat down” in Brooklyn on Saturday night.

The 29-year-old faces Richard Rivera at the Barclays Center aiming for another knockout performance on his US debut, which could take him a step closer to a world title shot.

Though Whittaker is a huge favourite, his opponent is not short on confidence, this week claiming the Darlaston fighter is not as good as he claims to be.

Whittaker believes such big talk will backfire.

“He’s talking about how he wants to knock me out," he said. "That sounds like music to my ears.

“The way he comes forward, he’s gonna get clipped with something sweet. If he wants to go on the back foot, he’s gonna get broken up.

"For me, it’s gonna be a beat down, it’s going be surgical.”

Whittaker is aiming to continue an impressive run since switching trainer to Andy Lee.

The 29-year-old followed up last year’s second round knockout win over Liam Cameron by beating Benjamin Gavazi and Braian Suarez inside the first round.

Rivera, who is nicknamed “Popeye” and arrived at Thursday’s press conference dressed as the cartoon sailor, has won 27 of his 29 professional bouts but Saturday will be his first fight in nearly 18 months.

Whittaker has been promised a piece of Van Cleef jewellery by promoter Eddie Hearn should he continue his knockout streak.

Yet the bigger prize for victory is a return to the UK and a planned headline date in Birmingham later this year for a potential world title eliminator.

“This fight can go however I want it to go,” continued Whittaker. “I feel like I’m prepared for anything in that ring. I see some chinks in his armour.

“I believe I am better in every department. I am taller, I am quicker, have a better IQ. I am damn sure better looking too. I tick all those boxes. Saturday is work time.”