Carl Froch admits he has "everything to lose" when he defends his IBF super-middleweight title against unfancied American Yusaf Mack next month.
The Nottingham veteran defends his belt for the first time on November 17 after becoming a three-time world champion by obliterating Lucian Bute in May.
Froch (29-2, 21KO wins) was a betting underdog against Bute but finds himself regarded as the overwhelming favourite against Philadelphian Mack, who has never beaten an elite fighter and is dropping down in weight for the bout.
Even the self-styled 'Cobra' admits he knows little about the low-profile challenger but is well aware he cannot take Mack lightly when they meet at Nottingham's Capital FM Arena.
"I've got nothing to win and everything to lose," said Froch, 35. "From that point of view I've got to keep myself focused and keep that determination and desire strong to make sure that when I'm in the gym I'm doing the work and when I'm hitting the punchbag, really gritting my teeth and putting in the work.
"I could have stayed in bed this morning and not bothered because I've had this press conference today and I'm in the gym later today.
"But I got up and did my five-mile run at a good pace to make sure I'm on the case, because I need to be."
Mack (31-4-2, 17KO wins) has no concerns about dropping half a stone to secure his shot.
"I'm going to stick to my gameplan and do what I've got to do," he said. "Nothing's changed due to coming down in weight, it's just about keeping it basic and replicating what I'm doing in training when the time comes in the ring. I'm still able to eat what I want despite having to drop the extra weight.
"Froch is an A-grade fighter, he comes to fight. But on November 17 he's going to be in front of a real fighter who isn't going to fade."
