Minto’s opponent was confirmed this week and Gonzales will be his toughest opponent to date.

The 24-year-old, from Toronto, is jointly trained by Cessnock boxing coach Ben Crampton and has been undergoing an exhausting strength and fitness program under Cessnock Goannas forward and strength and conditioning trainer Brendan Hlad.

Crampton said Gonzales, 39, was vastly more experienced than Minto but he believed his fighter was up for the challenge.

“Gonzales has had almost 60 fights and is a former world title holder. Blake has had just 12 fights but his performances in his past three bouts convinced me he can take the title,” he said.

“He has just worked so hard under Brendan. Some of the sessions are unbelievable. He is ready.”