Unheralded Huseyin Cinkara will have the chance of a lifetime when he faces Ring/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on Saturday.

IBF mandatory challenger Cinkara arrived in Australia a week before their main event matchup, taking place at Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.

"I have worked for years to reach this moment, with faith, discipline and determination," Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) told The Ring. "I have always relied on Allah and deep down, I knew this big fight would come and I will be ready."

The 40-year-old German-born Turkish fighter had been due to face Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) in January only to tear a ligament in training. Cinkara doesn't have any noteworthy opponents on his resume and will be stepping up several levels with this opportunity.

"Opetaia is currently the top cruiserweight champion, but honestly it has never mattered to me who stood before me. I just boxed and still respected and took every opponent seriously," he said. "I have always followed my own path and stayed focused on my goal.

"I have sparred with many former world champions, Oleksandr Usyk, Murat Gassiev, Ilunga Makabu, Arsen Goulamirian, Mairis Briedis and many others. I know the level we compete at, and that motivates me even more for this fight."

Although Cinkara has never fought outside of Europe, he remains upbeat about fighting in the champion's homestead.

"Fighting in Australia is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, a victory on foreign soil will be even greater. I feel no pressure, only excitement. I also receive many messages from my Turkish fans in Australia - I will not be alone."

Nobody gives Cinkara much of a shot outside his own team. He is priced at much as a 25-1 underdog.

"First and foremost is my faith," the 40-year-old said of his belief that he can score what would be one of the upsets of the year.

"I haven't spoken much about it, but my life has never been easy. I've had to fight to survive, for my family, health, and always for my dream, but with Allah’s will, I have overcome every challenge.

"On December 6, I will step into the ring to give everything, surprise the world, and make history. Whatever is meant to happen, will happen."

His promoter, Ahmet Oner, wasn't initially convinced by Cinkara, but the fighter has slowly grown on him through sheer persistence.

"I remember when Huseyin came to me, and I thought he was too old for this business because he was around 35," Oner said.

"He did very great sparring but in my opinion, he was too old to start as a pro, but he managed. That shows his character, what kind of guy he is, he's not giving up.

"Opetaia is a fighter who is very strong, he has dreams, tough guy, I like him. But a guy can shock the world and sometimes it happens in boxing. Everything is possible."