If Skelton can beat the Uzbek, a former world amateur champion, he will become only the fifth Briton to win a world heavyweight title since Bob Fitzsimmons in 1889, following Lennox Lewis, the linear champion, Herbie Hide, Henry Akinwande (both WBO champion) and Frank Bruno (WBC champion).

Sprott, the former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, who lost on points to Skelton in London last July, believes that Skelton should expect to lose if the fight goes the distance.

’’As the away fighter in Germany, people know that you have to knock the other guy out to win," Sprott said. "I’ve been on the wrong end of two terrible decisions there. It was ridiculous." Sprott was also stopped by Chagaev in Hamburg in the eighth round of a minor 12-round championship belt in July 2006, and has lost twice to Skelton on points.

Skelton insisted yesterday that such views were hackneyed, part of boxing myth. "World boxing has moved on. I know I have to prove myself to take the title away from the holder, but the WBA judges are not there for the Germans, or the home fighter. [Chagaev is based in Germany]. The judges will do justice to both fighters. If it has to go to points, I can win it."

Skelton, 40, has proved he has the heart, if not the finesse, since converting from a lucrative career in kick-boxing five years ago. He has been beaten only once in 22 contests, Telegraph reported.

"The nearer to this contest we come, the more I believe I can win it," he said. "I honestly think if it comes to a war, I can go to work, but I also feel I can box him, too. I don’t see Chagaev as having far superior skills to mine. He’s not the WBA champion for nothing, but I feel he is beatable. The key is being able to adapt in the ring."

Skelton, who will start as a massive underdog against the skilled Uzbek - who at 29 is unbeaten in 25 contests in a career which started in 1997 but gathered momentum in 2004 - said that critics should stop trying to rubbish his record. He avenged his only defeat, to Danny Williams, and won the English, British and Commonwealth titles within 19 months of turning professional.

’’Yes, respect from the general public would be great, but look at what Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton had to do to be widely recognised by the British public. It took them years and years. If I win the title, it’ll be different," he said.

’’When I go into a ring, I don’t go in there to be popular. I prepare with the thought of that man in there trying to ruin my life, and I’m only hours away now from the 40 most important minutes of my ?working life. For me to be going to fight for the WBA title, which for me is the one to have, is a dream come true. But I don’t just want to fight for the title, I want to win it."