It was the Ranong-born boxer's first crack at the world title, which became vacant after Japan's Koki Kameda was unable to keep his weight within the 108-pound division. The Japanese boxer decided to move up a division to fight in the flyweight category instead.

Having reigned the division in the Pan Asia Boxing Association [PABA], a less-regarded organisation, for almost two years, the 24-year-old, unbeaten in 17 previous fights with seven knockouts under his belt, will be understandably itching to make his mark on the international stage.

Reveco, the No 2 contender, is unbeaten in 15 fights with 6 Kos. Nethra, whose ranking is No 3 in the WBA standings, admitted that he was in for the toughest fight of his promising career. But the Thai fighter said that the dangerous Argentine cannot prevent him from becoming the first WBA Thai champion in two years. Somsak Sithchatchawal was the last Thai to hold the super bantamweight title.

"From what I saw of him on the video tape, he boxes exactly the same way as I. He continuously moves forward and has a lethal right.

"My trainer has already prepared a plan to handle him. I will use left hooks more often to counter him. I think the bout would not go to the distance because both of us possess powerful weapons.

"My physical condition is good. This is my first fight away from home and it has a special meaning for me as it gives me an opportunity to become the first world champion from the South," said Nethra, who weighed in a pound less than the Argentine.

The title bout will mark the launch of a new and big sport stadium in Mendoza city, Argentina. The two fighters were among the gathering of prominent figures during the colourful opening ceremony on Thursday evening.

Thousands of fans are expected to pack the venue and Reveco vowed he would not let his supporters down. The Thai boxer acknowledged that his rival has the home advantage and he needed to overcome the pressure of his first fight on the road.

Nethra said: "I have no fear. I will fight to my maximum. The pressure is not a factor for me. I will shock the crowd by knocking him out to take the belt back home. This is a unique opportunity that few can get and I will grab it with both hands."

The fight caused a buzz in the local media, with pictures of the two boxers featuring on the front pages of almost all the newspapers Channel 7 will televise the bout live from 8.30am.