Audley Harrison accepts that even he will be unable to resurrect a career notable for repeated visits to the last chance saloon if he fails to defeat David Price.
The Olympic medalists meet for Price's British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles at Liverpool Echo Arena on Saturday night.
While Price has amassed a 13-0 record in impressive style, including eye-catching knockouts of John McDermott and Sam Sexton, Harrison has been reduced to a figure of ridicule.
A pitiful three-round defeat by David Haye two years ago, during which he barely threw a punch, removed any vestiges of credibility he had as a world title contender.
The 40-year-old Sydney gold medalist understands why his bold claims are met with derision and accepts that in the past he has "lived a lie".
"This is not talk this time. I talk a good fight, I know, but I am coming to walk through him and separate myself from the pack," he said.
"I can understand when people don't believe me, but I talk like how I see it.
"You can't live a lie when you're on that starting line and I have lived a lie in the amateurs and professional game.
"I did just enough to win because I had that talent and chip on my shoulder to pull it out, but that ignorant guy doesn't exist anymore. This is my last chance saloon."
Harrison remains a solid opponent at domestic level, but Price needs to look good against a fading force if his rapid progress is to continue
The 29-year-old from Liverpool is a concussive puncher with all but two of his fights ending early, but knows that Harrison is capable of staging an upset.
"It's a big fight between two massive heavyweights," the Beijing bronze medalist said.
"One's a big name in the UK whereas I'm coming through like a steam train, getting rid of people in my way.
"People are judging him on the David Haye fight and fair enough because he stunk the place out.
"But anyone who can hit as hard as him is dangerous."
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