Adrian Roach is drawing inspiration from history-making Terence Crawford as he prepares to travel to Mexico for his second bout as a professional.

Roach watched Crawford become the only fighter to be crowned undisputed champion at three different weight classes when he beat Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas on Saturday night, and the Bermudian believes technique will always trump size.

“I’m somebody who believes that skills are everything, so that fight went exactly how I predicted it would,” Roach said.

“Skills pay the bills and although size is a factor, when you have skills like Crawford it evens out. Him winning motivates me because he comes from Omaha, Nebraska, a place not really known for boxing, but now he’s the only man in history to become an undisputed champion at three different weights.

“That’s big, so to come from humble beginnings and conquer the world motivates me as I’m from a small island. It proves you don’t need a huge crowd cheering for you to get the job done. All you need is your own belief, God, and you can power through any adversity.”

Roach’s confidence in his ability has led to him accepting a four-round welterweight contest at short notice against Victor Emanuel Lopez, of Mexico, in Mexicali, the city capital of Baja California, on October 4.

One of the key factors in the decision to take up the challenge is Roach’s desire to remain at the peak of fitness even when there is no fight on the horizon.

“It’s a short-notice fight, so I didn’t have a full training camp, but the training is going well,” he said.

“I pride myself in staying in shape year-round and I’m always in the gym, working and waiting for when the call comes. I don’t have to get ready because I stay ready.

“This is an opportunity that I felt I couldn’t pass up. These short-notice fights are the risks you have to take if you want to be great. You can’t be scared to take risks; you have to be confident in your skill set, confident in your team and your preparation. I’m going to put 110 per cent in, and you have to back and trust yourself before you can convince other people.

“Some days it is hard to get up and run and go to the gym when you don’t have an actual fight on the horizon. But there is always something to fight for. I have a son, a beautiful family, children who look up to me in the gym, so there is always something motivating me. Those things keep me going when my own motivation runs low.

“Boxing is a brutal sport — people come and go, supporters come and go, and people will praise you one day and talk bad about you the next. You can’t be totally fuelled by that and you need to instil discipline in yourself.”

Lopez has taken on some top prospects in Mexico recently, but has a mixed record of 2-3 and Roach has already taken the opportunity to scout his upcoming rival.

“They have put an opponent in front of me who has come to fight,” Roach said. “He’s not coming to lay down.

“I’ve seen his record. He’s had a few fights and does have some losses, but all his fights have been against pretty tough prospects. He’s not an opponent I’m taking lightly, as I’ve seen what he brings to the table.

“We think we can counteract what he has to offer, as he’s tall and rangy. He throws a lot of punches, but we have our game plan and we’re heading to Mexico to execute it. Come October 4, I don’t think he’ll be able to stop what I’m bringing.”

The opportunity to fight in Mexico came up as a result of Roach’s association with Saundre “Dash” Simmons, another fledgeling Bermuda professional.

Simmons is also due to feature on the televised card and there is a chance that both fighters will have the opportunity to be seen by some of the biggest promoters in the region.

“I’ve been in talks with Dash and his team out in North Carolina,” Roach said.

“They had a link-up with the promoter and were able to co-ordinate and get a good deal for me. It’s on a televised card, on a bunch of TV channels, and it’s being co-promoted by Team Canelo.

“It’s a good card to get eyes on you. They were gracious enough to give me the call-up and the opportunity to display my skills in front of a big crowd, and with a promotion that’s closely linked to some of the biggest names in boxing.

“I’m still looking for sponsorship, so anybody who wants to help my journey in any way would be appreciated.”