Leighton Levy, Star Writer

Jamaican featherweight Nicolas Walters is promising a knockout when he puts his WBA Fedaltin title on the line today, taking on the top-ranked contender Irving Berry, a Panamanian who is ranked at number two by the WBA.

Walters, who last fought in Jamaica on June 16, when he stopped Mexican Argel Salinas at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, at Jamaica College, is undefeated in 18 professional fights with 15 knockouts. The fight in June was his first in Jamaica, as prior to that occasion he fought exclusively in Panama where he trains with the highly rated Celso Chavez.

Berry is perhaps the Axeman's most formidable opponent to date. He boasts a record of 18 wins, nine of them by knockout, two losses and two draws and is trained by the equally celebrated Rigoberto Garibaldi. The 25-year-old, known for his smooth boxing skills, last tasted defeat on December 4, 2010 when he went up against World Featherweight Champion Jonathan Victor Barros.

Berry, the hometown boy, is said to be sentimental favourite, but Walters' fans know he has the power to knock Berry out. In fact, the Fedalatin title holder is promising to do just that.

"Some people say that Berry has fought a higher calibre of boxer and that is his edge. Come Saturday night, I will prove these people wrong. I predict a midround KO victory," he said.

Early in the Axeman's career he used to be Berry's sparring partner, and the Panamanian has been talking up a story about how he used to beat up on Walters back then.

"I remember that I used to bang him around so much that most of the times, they just had to take him away," Berry was quoted as saying recently.

However, Walters is promising that things are going to be different this time around.

"This is ancient history. I was just a novice then, starting out in my career. On Saturday night, it will be Irving Berry's turn to be taken away."