Professional debutant Shae Alvarez has shrugged off suggestions she may be intimidated by opponent Lena Taylor tonight.

Taylor is the firm favourite in the women’s lightweight bout at the Bermuda College Gym.

“I am not intimidated,” Alvarez said at yesterday’s press conference at the Flagpole in Hamilton. “I am just physically and mentally prepared to get in the ring and do what I do best — and that is to give everybody a good fight and win.”

Alvarez, who resides in Queens, New York, is a late replacement for Kirunis Dulei who was originally scheduled to fight against Taylor, a four-times United States national champion. Dulei withdrew due to health reasons, organisers confirmed.

“It is such a short notice,” Alvarez said. “This is actually my first pro fight, but I am not nervous because I am used to fighting. I am ready to take any hits and hit back.”

Even though she is the overwhelming favourite, Taylor is not taking her opponent for granted.

“The champion’s mentality is you always prepare for that world championship every fight,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who they put in the ring, you have to fight them.”

Taylor has vowed to entertain the crowd with her ring craft.

“She looks like she may be strong,” she said. “But I think I have something most women don’t have because I grew up in a gym full of male champions. I have style, class and technique skills most women just don’t have. You guys should see some pretty stuff, if she lasts.

“I typically do not look to knock somebody out, but if you mess up, I am going to take advantage.”